Virtual Realism

by Michael Heim

Virtual reality has introduced what is literally a new dimension of reality to daily life. But it is not without controversy. Indeed, some say that a collision is inevitable between those passionately involved in the computer industry and those increasingly alienated from (and often replaced by) its applications. Opinions range from the cyberpunk attitude of Wired magazine and Bill Gates's commercial optimism to the violent opposition of the Unabomber. Now, with Virtual Realism , readers have a thought-provoking guide to the "cyberspace backlash" debate and the implications of cyberspace for our culture.

Michael Heim offers a comprehensive introduction to virtual reality and a provocative commentary on its present and future impact on our lives. Heim describes the fascinating and important industrial and military uses of virtual reality, as well as its artistic and entertainment applications. He argues that we must balance the idealist's enthusiasm for computerized life with the need to ground ourselves more deeply in primary reality. This "uneasy balance" he calls virtual realism.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Diego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling outlook of interactive technology as of 1998. Brings a philosophical perspective on where devices could have headed from there onwards. I feel like the final chapter steps on its own feet a bit too much, but it’s still good for reference for the history of computer installations on the latter XX Century.