Dialectics: Matrix and the "Real World"

The matrix presents two opposing worlds; one within a computer simulated world and one that is “real.” Primarily, these two worlds contradict. For instance, one could question which world is more real. The matrix to most people appeared real to the average person within the matrix. The “real” world presented no more “real” of a world (just an alternative reality where robots control the world) than what most people experienced in the matrix.

Then the movie claims that the “real” world is of truth and freedom while within the matrix people are restricted as slaves. This claim is quite flawed. Although in the “real” world we no longer live within the machines computerized matrix, both worlds present a feeling of freedom. In the matrix people are given “free” choice to the extent felt by people with in the “real” world or even in Northbrook. Even with the machines controlling the world, people still feel free and live what feels like a free life. Additionally, in the “real” world or even in Northbrook are we really free? Not exactly, it depends on how we define freedom. In our world, we still abide by laws and are subject to limitations of our freedom of speech. Furthermore, society limits how we can act and what we buy is largely influenced by our culture and lifestyles. I cannot threaten the President, use the bathroom where ever I want or wear a dress because those are all either illegal and/or not socially acceptable (nor do I desire to do most of these tasks but I am simply using them as examples to further our freedom limitations). Both places people feel they can make choices.

However, not only is our world and the matrix not 100% free, but it also is not always true. The matrix, as we all know, is a fake world, but in our real lives, we are also constantly lied to. When I turn on the TV I see shoes that would make me a “professional” athlete  (Nike) and insurance agents that appear whenever I sing the companies jingle (State Farm). Both of those examples turned out be false; the shoes didn’t help and the agent never showed up. Furthermore, Lance Armstrong was a fake and Bernie Madoff scammed many investors. Everywhere we look there are so many examples of how we are lied to and made out to beleive our world is more true than it it.

Furthermore, is the “real” world any more true than the matrix. Both appear true to the user. I would never notice if I was living in a fake world. Who knows, maybe I am living in a fake world right now. There is just no way to prove if any world is real if its all you ever knew. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” presents an outstanding explanation of how you do not want what you don’t know. This concept can be used to relate how the matrix and the “real” word both share practically the same realism even though the movie claimed that one was more true than the other.