The Matrix & Philosophy: Welcome to the Desert of the Real--Edited by William Irwin

Have you ever had a dream, Neo, that you were so sure was real? What if you were unable to wake from that dream? How would you know the difference between the dream world and the real world?

This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.

You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.

Morpheus--The Matrix, 1999 ~ Warner Brothers

Background...

In the online virtual world, there is a thin layer between reality and simulation. While the engagement in activities and events take place through one's avatar, the interactions, decisions and reactions are felt and performed by real people on the other side of the computer screen. For many, virtual identity and real life identity are inter-related; the relationships that develop through the virtual environment often extend into every day life.

The Dilemma...

In these virtual worlds, simulated life imitates real life where individuals set up businesses, marry, divorce and have virtual sex with their avatar partners. Inevitably, the darker side of real life finds its way into these virtual worlds. Negative behaviors such as harassment, stalking and destruction of personal property can and has transcended beyond virtual borders. Therefore, the question becomes “should real life rules, laws, policies apply to the virtual community?”

Resource Information...

Philosophy of the Matrix
http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rl_cmp/phi.html

Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
Santa Clara University
http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/technology

Terra Nova -- Exploring Virtual Worlds
http://terranova.blogs.com

The Law of the Virtual Worlds
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=402860


Trivia: Is C2 an extra in the triology? See if you can find her...

Multiplayer Online Games...

Second Life
secondlife.com

Active Worlds
www.activeworlds.com

The Matrix Online
www.thematrixonline.station.sony.com

World of Warcraft
www.worldofwarcraft.com

EverQuest
everquest.station.sony.com

A Tale in the Desert
www.atitd.com