Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Journal | Volume | Article

216785

Simulating philosophy

interpreting video games as executable thought experiments

Marcus Schulzke

pp. 251-265

Abstract

This essay proposes an alternative way of studying video games: as thought experiments akin to the narrative thought experiments that are frequently used in philosophy. This perspective incorporates insights from the narratological and ludological perspectives in game studies and highlights the philosophical significance of games. Video game thought experiments are similar to narrative thought experiments in many respects and can perform the same functions. They also have distinctive advantages over narrative thought experiments, as they situate counterfactuals in more complex, developed contexts and present them to players who are participants in game worlds, rather than simply observers.

Publication details

Published in:

Coppock Patrick John, Kirkpatrick Graeme, Leino Olli Tapio, Leirfall Anita (2014) The philosophy of computer games. Philosophy & Technology 27 (2).

Pages: 251-265

DOI: 10.1007/s13347-013-0102-2

Full citation:

Schulzke Marcus (2014) „Simulating philosophy: interpreting video games as executable thought experiments“. Philosophy & Technology 27 (2), 251–265.