What is... Real? The Matrix! (1999)

UPDATE: Meeting location changed to Pablo Creek Library - Community Room B, time still 2pm-4pm!!!!

13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246

We will NOT be at Southeast Regional - Room C!

We will NOT be watching the movie at the meeting! and although watching the movie is not required, it is highly encouraged!

Circle Question: What is the message of this movie?

### 1. Reality vs. Perception:

• How does The Matrix make us question what is real?
• How does the movie challenge what we think of as "reality"? Does it remind you of any ideas from philosophy about how we know what’s real?

### 2. The Allegory of the Cave:

• How is The Matrix like Plato’s Allegory of the Cave?
• In the movie, people are trapped in a fake world, just like prisoners in Plato’s cave. How do Neo's experiences in the Matrix relate to the idea of escaping a false reality to find the truth?

### 3. Free Will vs. Fate:

• Do characters in The Matrix have real freedom, or is everything controlled by fate?
• Is Neo truly free to make his own choices, or is his path already set? How does this connect to the idea of free will versus fate in philosophy?

### 4. Mind and Body:

• What does The Matrix say about the relationship between the mind and the body?
• In the movie, people’s minds are in a fake world, but their bodies are still in the real world. Does this idea remind you of any philosophies about whether the mind and body are separate or connected?

### 5. The "Chosen One":

• What does Neo being "the One" say about destiny and personal responsibility?
• Neo is told he's "the One," the savior. Does this mean he has no choice but to follow his destiny, or is he still in control? What does this say about the idea of creating your own path in life?

### 6. Simulated Reality:

• How does The Matrix connect to the idea that we might be living in a fake world, like in Baudrillard’s theory?
• The Matrix is all about living in a fake, simulated world. How does this compare to the idea that what we see as "real" might just be a simulation, as suggested by philosopher Jean Baudrillard?

### 7. What is Freedom?

• What does freedom mean in The Matrix? Can people truly be free in the movie, or are they always being controlled in some way?
• Can anyone ever really be free in the Matrix? Is freedom just a state of mind, or does it need to involve control over our environment too?

### 8. Technology and Control:

• What does The Matrix tell us about the dangers of technology?
• The Matrix shows a world where machines control humans. Does the movie warn us about the dangers of technology, or is it about how we use technology?

### 9. The Problem of Evil:

• How does The Matrix deal with the idea of evil and suffering?
• In the movie, humans suffer because they’re trapped in the Matrix. Does this remind you of the philosophical problem of evil—why do bad things happen if there’s a higher power or purpose?

### 10. Choice and Control:

• Are the characters in The Matrix making their own choices, or are they being controlled by something else?
• Is Neo truly making his own decisions, or is he just following a path laid out for him? How does this connect to the idea of freedom and personal choice in philosophy?

### 11. Rebellion and Ethics:

• Is it right to rebel against the Matrix, even though it keeps most people safe and happy?
• In the movie, the Matrix controls people, but it also provides comfort. Is it okay to free people from this, even if it means they will suffer in the real world?

### 12. The Role of the Mentor:

• What does Morpheus' role as a mentor teach us about finding the truth?
• Morpheus guides Neo throughout his journey. How does his role as a teacher compare to philosophers who help others understand the truth?