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In the film it appears that humanity is being kept in a state of illusion in order to be used as an energy source.
We can relate the scenario in the Matrix to the cave allegory in that the entire world has become trapped in a highly technologized ' cave' where mankind exists in a false and dreamlike state, completely unaware of the actual reality of their imprisonment.
However, there are a few people who are aware of the "shadows" that exist outside the cave. There are a number of human beings who have become aware of the "forms" or the true and horrific reality of their world and the true nature of human existence. Under the leadership of the mysterious Morpheus, they fight the Matrix and attempt to awaken humanity to the real nature of their existence. Is an ironic and telling point that in Greek Mythology Morpheus refers to the god of dreams. In the film he is instrumental in wakening people...
This can be related to the cave analogy and the way in which humanity lives in a state of unawareness and illusion.
Of coursed, there are many differences between Plato's philosophy and the Matrix, especially with regard to the idealism of the Forms. Some argue that the film has more affinity with the Gnostic view that the earth was created by a false god. Nevertheless, the basic thesis of the illusionary and false reality of mundane life can be related to both the Matrix and Plato's allegory of the cave.
Bibliography
Wright, J. The Phaedrus, Lysis, and Protagoras of Plato: a New and Literal Translation Mainly from the Text of Bekker. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1921.
Bibliography
Wright, J. The Phaedrus, Lysis, and Protagoras of Plato: a New and Literal Translation Mainly from the Text of Bekker. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1921.
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