Reality+

In the coming decades, the technology that enables virtual and augmented reality will improve beyond recognition. Within a century, world-renowned philosopher David J. Chalmers predicts, we will have virtual worlds that are impossible to distinguish from non-virtual worlds. But is virtual reality just escapism? In a highly original work of ‘technophilosophy’, Chalmers argues categorically no: virtual reality is genuine reality. Virtual worlds are not second-class worlds. We can live a meaningful life in virtual reality – and increasingly, we will. What is reality, anyway? How can we lead a good life? Is there a god? How do we know there’s an external world – and how do we know we’re not living in a computer simulation? In ‘Reality+’, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of philosophy, using cutting-edge technology to provide invigorating new answers to age-old questions.