Blog 16

Fernando Torres
Dr. Smith
English 101/103
May 4, 2010

Nixon’s claim in the book “The matrix and philosophy” states how it is possible for humans to be living in the matrix but not probable. It seems to be in the same direction of what I’m thinking. I believe that we may be living in a robotic, computer generated world but in the end it is man that takes control and works the computers and system simple, everyday devices take charge of the way we do things. Alarm clocks cell phones, the internet, stop signs, school bells, sounds in general such as police and fire sirens are a part of our daily lives and it’s become second nature to us. A good example but rather sad experience I had been working in the postal service at JFK airport. Seniorities and regular employees who were in the union and had been there for years were demoted from positions that were being eliminated and were losing their jobs because they were being replaced by robots who could do the job of four men 5 times faster. By replacing employees with robots the service would save millions on costs for health insurance and salary.

This has become very common in the work field especially in the auto mobile industries where robots were replacing mechanics and thousands of workers lost their jobs. Companies would benefit from changes avoiding vacation time and sick days. Televisions and computers have never been this important since we’ve fallen into a recession. Most people, to avoid spending money outdoors, have chosen to stay home and enjoy television or watch a movie. We’ve become dependent on technology.

I believe, although in many ways we are shifting in a more technologically advanced nation or world, that we choose to participate in these activities. TV commercials promote the latest tools and gadgets and there’s no doubt that some of us just want it. We are all being affected by machinery and robots and all of these programs that might be overwhelming and eventually the technology will control the majority of our resources and we will be ruled by machinery. I do not believe that we are living in the matrix but gradually, yes we are fading into a more technological world. We are witnesses to the changes being made by technology such as our transportations and commute, the way we handle our businesses, banks, and you can literally almost do anything online. If in fact we were living in the matrix, I believe that things would run a bit moiré organized and would be a bit more cleaned up.
Although, machines can sometimes fail because of viruses or have to be rebooted, machines should still be strong and our world wouldn’t be as chaotic as it is. I don’t believe we are living in the matrix but something very similar and I believe that computers and robots will be very important in our future.