Virtual Reality & the Ethics of Future Technology

CFA: Online Journal for Technology and Ethics—Virtual Reality & The Ethics of Future Technology

Abstracts Due 4/23

Final Submission Due 5/5

The Experimental College, Tufts University

Humanity has expressed a remarkable capacity to invent and manipulate new realities. From dreams and ancient storytelling to modern 3d superhero movies and VR video games, we are all captivated by the process of losing ourselves in different worlds and different possibilities. Nowhere is this drive more pronounced than in the rapid rise of modern “alternate reality” technologies.

This conference will explore some of the philosophical and ethical implications of the development of virtual reality in light of the meteoric rise of modern technology and the tremendous impact it has had on the human experience. What does it mean for something to be “virtual?” What is “real” about virtual reality? Are we all in a giant simulation? Would it matter if we were? Can we model consciousness and even develop robust artificial intelligences using lessons learned from VR technologies? Are we destined for a virtual future and what would it mean if we could change our appearance as easily as we can change a VR avatar? Can VR technology allow us a special window into the embodied experience of others? How will VR change the way we communicate, work, and learn?

In the spirit of technological adaptation in challenging times, the Experimental College at Tufts University cordially invites abstract submissions on the topic of “Virtual Reality and the Ethics of Future Technology” for our annual Philosophy and Technology symposium and digital journal.  In light of the current COVID-19 crisis, we will be accepting project proposals for online presentations and public multimedia essays for publication in a digital format.

Call for Abstracts: 

The Online Journal for Technology and Ethics is seeking medium length (400-600) word abstracts on the topic of “Virtual Reality & the Ethics of Future Technology” for our upcoming second edition.  Abstracts can address any topic within the field of virtual reality research, but special preference will be given to project proposals that address ethical or philosophical questions regarding emerging technologies.  Topics might include:

-Ontology, Metaphysics, and Epistemology of VR

-Technological questions raised by VR, AR, MR, and XR

-Simulation Theory

-Phenomenology, Embodiment, and Immersion

-VR and Consciousness

-Artificial Intelligence

-VR and Communication

-VR, Art, and Entertainment

-Social Implications, Personhood, and the Ethics of VR

-Transhumanism

-Postphenomenology

-Deep Fakes

Submission 

Abstracts will be peer reviewed and final projects should be submitted as either public multimedia essays of around 2,000 words or 7-15 minute video presentations.  Notification of acceptance of abstracts will be sent on 4/20 with final drafts due 5/5.  The journal will be published in May.