Reality+ - Kirjakasa

528 pages

English language

Published Dec. 29, 2022 by Norton & Company Limited, W. W..

ISBN:: 978-0-393-63580-5
OCLC Number:: 1252844343

(1 review)

A leading philosopher takes a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it.

Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of Reality+. In a highly original work of “technophilosophy,” David J. Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. We may even be in a virtual world already.

Along the way, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of big ideas in philosophy and science. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. How do we know that there’s an external world? Is there a god? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers’ …

A leading philosopher takes a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it.

Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of Reality+. In a highly original work of “technophilosophy,” David J. Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. We may even be in a virtual world already.

Along the way, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of big ideas in philosophy and science. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. How do we know that there’s an external world? Is there a god? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers’ mind-bending analysis.

Studded with illustrations that bring philosophical issues to life, Reality+ is a major statement that will shape discussion of philosophy, science, and technology for years to come.

6 editions

Thom reviewed Reality+ by David J. Chalmers

Review of 'Reality+' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

The philosophy, current technology and future direction of virtual worlds and simulations, all in one fascinating book. Contains many references from history, books, films, and popular culture.

The philosophical questions here go way back into our past, and the technology of today and the near future are bringing these sorts of questions to the forefront again. Are we living in a simulation? If what we perceive is real, is it even an important question to ask? How could we know? Related questions about notepads, computers, and augmented reality are also fully discussed.

An extensive collection of references, also updated online, and an index make this a solid reference work in addition to a thorough presentation of an interesting topic.