Philosophy and Politics of Virtual Worlds

Our world is becoming more simulated: from the temporary virtual reality and gaming environments into which we voluntarily enter to the artificial, bot- and ai media-dominated online spaces into which we may soon find ourselves to the fully simulated world into which we may unknowingly live. This shift challenges us to navigate the ethical, social, and philosophical implications of living in a world where the line between reality and simulation is becoming ever more indistinct.

Topics for discussion during this conversation might include: How can we prepare ourselves to engage with our increasingly simulated digital spaces in critical and informed ways? What are the social and political implications of virtual worlds, including the capacity to counterfeit people and to simulate human behavior at scale? How does the prevalence of virtual and simulated environments affect mental health, and what strategies can be employed to promote psychological well-being in these digital spaces? How can individuals and societies develop strategies to navigate the complexities of a post-truth world where misinformation and simulated realities blur the line between fact and fiction?