I admit it: I am absolutely hooked on the “Popular Culture and Philosophy” book series. Every volume I’ve read has not only been fascinating, but has also provided an intellectual excuse for why it’s ok to procrastinate by, say, watching Dexter, instead of working on whatever it is I should be working on. In the latest volume, the satirical newspaper The Onion is the focus of analysis. Over 20 philosophers contributed to The Onion and Philosophy, each trying to explain why “fake news” is so appealing. The volume strikes a good balance between serious philosophy and silly subject material and is a pleasure to read. (Richardson Library, 051 O5889)
Although I’ve never really played “The Sims,” and I never got past making an avatar in Second Life, I’ve always been intrigued by the “virtual life” phenomenon. The ability to create virtual identities and craft them however you choose opens up a world of possibilities that we are only just beginning to explore. Ralph Schroeder’s new book, Being There Together: Social Interaction in Shared Virtual Environments, explores some of the sociological and philosophical issues surrounding virtual environments. Drawing on extensive research, Schroeder unpacks some of the complicated questions that virtual identities present: How does an avatar’s appearance effect its interactions with other avatars? What ethical and social implications may this technology present? How does virtual interaction differ from face-to-face interaction? Whether you’re a citizen of “Second Life” or merely what to learn more about virtual worlds, this book is certainly worth checking out. (Richardson Library, 302.231S3814B)