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  • © 2012

The Philosophy of Computer Games

  • The first anthology to take a philosophical perspective on issues raised by computer games
  • Deals with fundamental issues in games research
  • Offers a new context for reflection on traditional philosophical themes

Part of the book series: Philosophy of Engineering and Technology (POET, volume 7)

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Table of contents (17 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
  2. General Introduction

    • John Richard Sageng, Hallvard Fossheim, Tarjei Mandt Larsen
    Pages 1-7
  3. Players and Play

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 9-9
  4. Ethics and Play

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 93-93
  5. PLAY AND ETHICS

    1. Introduction to Part II: Ethics and Play

      • Hallvard Fossheim
      Pages 95-99
    2. Digital Games as Ethical Technologies

      • Miguel Sicart
      Pages 101-124
    3. Virtual Rape, Real Dignity: Meta-Ethics for Virtual Worlds

      • Edward H. Spence, Edward H. Spence, Edward H. Spence
      Pages 125-142
    4. Ethics and Practice in Virtual Worlds

      • Ren Reynolds
      Pages 143-158
  6. Games and Gameworlds

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 175-175
  7. GAMES AND GAMEWORLDS

    1. Introduction to Part III: Games and Gameworlds

      • John Richard Sageng
      Pages 177-184
    2. Videogames and Fictionalism

      • Grant Tavinor
      Pages 185-199
    3. Fiction and Fictional Worlds in Videogames

      • Aaron Meskin, Jon Robson
      Pages 201-217
    4. In-Game Action

      • John Richard Sageng
      Pages 219-232

About this book

Computer games have become a major cultural and economic force, and a subject of extensive academic interest. Up until now, however, computer games have received relatively little attention from philosophy. Seeking to remedy this, the present collection of newly written papers by philosophers and media researchers addresses a range of philosophical questions related to three issues of crucial

importance for understanding the phenomenon of computer games: the nature of gameplay and player experience, the moral evaluability of player and avatar actions, and the reality status of the gaming environment. By doing so, the book aims to establish the philosophy of computer games as an important strand of computer games research, and as a separate field of philosophical inquiry.

The book is required reading for anyone with an academic or professional interest in computer games, and will also be of value to readers curious about the philosophical issues raised by contemporary digital culture.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“This anthology of 16 essays discusses games from a philosophical perspective. … Game designers and those interested in philosophy … will find the book illuminating and a springboard for new ways to think about games and interactive media. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners in game design.” (A. Chen, Choice, Vol. 50 (6), February, 2013)

“This book is really about the philosophy of computer games. … Previously, foundational books in computer games … were more sociological in their orientation. This book begins to add an important pillar to that foundation. … It asks and attempts to answer some very serious questions. … I would recommend it first to philosophers in related fields such as the philosophy of fiction or media studies. I would also recommend it to designers of video games and virtual worlds … .” (J. M. Artz, ACM Computing Reviews, October, 2012)

Editors and Affiliations

  • , Philosophy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    John Richard Sageng

  • , University of Philosophy, Classics, Hist, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Hallvard Fossheim

  • , Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway

    Tarjei Mandt Larsen

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access