Solipsism

What issues does the film 'The Matrix' raise about our sense of self and knowledge of the world around us?

YouTube Clips;

‘Philosophy and the Matrix – Descartes’ (1 min 42)
‘The Red Pill’ (7 mins 40)

How does Descartes go about doubting the senses and reasoning? What can we be certain of and why?

Resource: Philosophy Pages

What is Solipsism? Why is it particularly difficult to be sure that other people have minds?

Resource: IEP

‘How do I know I’m not alone?’

‘ME, MYSELF & I’
- what makes me ‘me’?
- Could I be ‘me’ all by myself? (i.e. without a language I share with others? Without relationships? Without belonging to a culture that shares beliefs and values?)

'Virtual Concerns'

Social networking sites, gaming, virtual environments..

Are they harmless fun...a great way of meeting people and keep in touch OR a security risk and a phenomena that undermines our social and educational development.

Tell us what you think?

You might also want to check out and comment on the views of Susan Greenfield and the recent comments by Barack Obama.