THE MATRIX AND SKEPTICISM - Essay Example

of Skepticism, Morality and The Matrix This article makes us think of whatit would be like living in a matrix, wherein the world we perceive of as real, may not be real at all. Herein, the authors present two skeptic accounts. One is Descartes’ malevolent demon and the other is Unger’s evil scientist along with Putnam’s brain in a vat. Like the matrix, Descartes thinks that reality may all be just an illusion. Here, he uses his method of doubt to question the validity of his senses. For, we cannot tell the difference as to whether we are dreaming or not.

Nevertheless, he thought that his beliefs in mathematics could never err. So he invents this malevolent demon that deceives him in falling into error and into thinking that there is a physical world. Furthermore, Unger advanced his own skeptical thought experiment by claiming that an evil scientist may deceive us, and that we cannot know if there is none. Putnam also puts forth his brain in a vat theory by claiming that our brains are stored in vats filled with nourishing liquids, wherein a computer programs our brains, giving rise to what we think of as reality.

However, the authors argue that all these skeptical thoughts are groundless. For, radical doubt of reality is only useful, given a philosophical framework of seeking absolute knowledge. However, we do not deal with such in reality, i.e. in creating meaning in our lives. So it follows that we have good reasons for believing in a physical reality. Finally, the article explores Cipher’s decision and deems it as immoral, for it only serves a hedonistic purpose and end in life, thus avoiding genuine experience.

In the end, we are told that we need not sympathize with the skeptic, and that in reality; these doubts are groundless if not entirely meaningless. Hence, we ought to just face the world and live, just like we always have done so.