Virtual Existentialism

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxx

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2. Virtual Subjectivities and the Existential Significance of Virtual Worlds

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 1-24

3. En-roling and De-roling in Virtual Worlds

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 25-64

4. Helmuth Plessner and Virtual Worlds as Existential Complements

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 65-75

5. Peter W. Zapffe and the Virtual Tragic

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 77-88

6. Jean-Paul Sartre and Escaping from Being-in-the-World

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 89-97

7. Eugen Fink and Existential Play

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 99-110

8. Conclusions

   • Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

   Pages 111-120

9. Back Matter

   Pages 121-123

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This book explores what it means to exist in virtual worlds. Chiefly drawing on the philosophical traditions of existentialism, it articulates the idea that — by means of our technical equipment and coordinated practices — human beings disclose contexts or worlds in which they can perceive, feel, act, and think. More specifically, this book discusses how virtual worlds allow human beings to take new perspectives on their values and beliefs, and explore previously unexperienced ways of being. Virtual Existentialism will be useful for scholars working in the fields of philosophy, anthropology, media studies, and digital game studies.

        

                             

• virtual worlds
• subjectivity
• existentialism
• digital games
• projectuality

“This unique book is a must-read for all interested in understanding the philosophical implications of game playing. Virtual Existentialism changes the framework of thinking and doing philosophy with video games. It convincingly shows the importance of the existential thought of Sartre, Jaspers, Plessner, Fink, and Zapffe for the field. It makes the reader constantly reflect about the positive effects of game playing on our existences, but also on the potential risks, and the consequent responsibility for game designers. The authors introduce new ideas that will engage academics from both philosophy and game studies. These ideas are articulated with examples that, along with the glossary of terms and the clear style of writing, make this text accessible also to the non-experts.” (Alberto Romele, Lille Catholic University)

• Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

  Stefano Gualeni, Daniel Vella

Stefano Gualeni is a philosopher who designs games. He is Associate Professor at the Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta, and Visiting Professor at the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, California, USA.

Daniel Vella is Lecturer at the Institute of Digital Games, University of Malta. He is a member of the steering committee for the Game Philosophy Network and is also active as a writer and narrative designer for board games.