Introducing Critical Through Film

Introducing Critical Through Film

Step 1

Find a link to Gabriel’s TEDx presentation as well as a list of the chapters the video
contains. For each chapter, please provide a brief description of what you take to be its
purpose, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzvesGB_TI0
Chapter 1: What is the World? Gabriel explains in this chapter that our desires might
distort our view of the universe. His main argument is that the world is not static and that our
perceptions of it evolve through time.
Chapter 2: Google Universe. Gabriel used Google as a metaphor for the universe and its
effects on humans. He claims that Google reflects the reality that the world is not static but
always developing and changing.
Chapter 3: Metaphysics. Gabriel explains metaphysics and how it fits into no-world
thought in Chapter 3. While he acknowledges that the world is dynamic and ever-evolving, he
contends that this does not make it any less imaginary.
Chapter 4, Facts: We explore the concept of facts and how they connect to our
worldview. While Gabriel acknowledges using facts in many situations, he warns that they may
be manipulated to provide a distorted view of the world.
In Chapter 5, “Democracy,” Gabriel examines the notion of democracy and how it
connects to the no-world ideology. He considers democracy to be a sort of no-world thinking
since it promotes various perspectives on reality that may be utilized to improve social justice.

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In Chapter 6, “Existence,” Gabriel elaborates on the meaning of “existence” in light of
no-world philosophy. He says that even if we can’t grasp the ultimate essence of reality, we can
utilize what we know about the world to make it a better place.
Chapter 7, What is Existence? “What is existence?” in this chapter. He contends that
reality is an illusion created by our thoughts and that we must learn to recognize and accept our
perspectives on the universe to improve the world.
The non-worldview of Gabriel. This TEDx talk explores the notion that our world is not
the same as the one we see on television. Instead, it is a product of our brains, a projection of our
ideas, beliefs, and emotions onto the world around us. He tells us to believe in ourselves and our
dreams and be conscious of our influence on our own lives.
Step 2

What film from part 1 supports, modifies, challenges, contradicts, or enhances Gabriel’s
theory that the world does not exist?
The Wachowski Brothers' 1999 film The Matrix offers a nuanced take on
Gabriel's non-existence thesis. In the narrative, protagonist Neo, a computer hacker,
discovers that things are not always as they seem. The world he thinks he lives in turns out to be
a simulation built by an all-powerful artificial intelligence known as the Matrix, which he later
learns is a computer. The Matrix is a complex computer simulation created to keep people asleep
and under their control. The film suggests that things are not quite as they seem, which questions
Gabriel's belief that the world does not exist. It would imply that AI has constructed a false
reality.
This artificial structure was created to keep people under control by maintaining them in
a constant state of sleep. Human life is experienced within this framework. Therefore, the picture

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implies that the universe is real, but it was constructed by an all-powerful intellect to control and
manipulate its human subjects. Since The Matrix shows how technology may be used to control
and change reality, it also contributes to Gabriel's idea. The Matrix's artificial
intelligence is sophisticated enough to keep people in a dreamlike trance. Technology may be
utilized for good, and evil is also a film theme.
The implication is that we may construct a false reality via the strategic use of
technological means. Overall, Gabriel's nonexistent world idea is updated and improved
upon by The Matrix. The film implies that reality is not what it seems and is an artificial
intelligence-created fabrication meant to deceive and control humanity. It also implies that
technology may be utilized for good and evil and can be used to create a false reality. Thus,
Gabriel's nonexistent world hypothesis is undermined and strengthened by The Matrix,
which shows how technology may be used to control and shape reality.