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Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy

Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy

by David J. Chalmers

W. W. Norton & Company ·2022 ·544 pages
Top 25 Scholars' Citations
Maybe Someday
Maybe Someday
I Index
40/99
Bottom of the Pile

10/99

Critics' Rating Index

Bottom of the Pile

12/99

Readers' Rating Index

Top of the Pile

99/99

Scholars' Citation Index

77/99

Volume of Reviews

64/99

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About This Book

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.


Reviews

"in the end, Chalmers doesn't take it seriously enough."

Kieran Setiya· Times Literary Supplement Read review ↗ Maybe Someday

"This book is a dangerous manifesto for the future of humanity ..."

Josh Glancy· The Times (UK) Read review ↗ Maybe Someday

"Chalmers's central idea, that 'there is more to reality than we thought', is seductive, and I was surprised to find his arguments delightfully – or perhaps worryingly – convincing ..."

PD Smith· The Guardian Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Philosophy-minded readers weened on The Matrix and ready for the metaverse will want to take a look."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Chalmers argues this thesis tirelessly and well."

Jess Keiser· The Washington Post Read review ↗ Near the Top

"The book is overstuffed with data of varying relevance ..."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Maybe Someday

"his argument relies mostly on probabilistic analyses of what we would do with the power to produce full-universe simulations (his conclusion: we'd create millions of them)."

Kit Wilson· The Times (UK) Read review ↗ Near the Top

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