PhilosoFIC research workshop Is virtuality the reality of tomorrow?

« Virtuality is invading the real world. Hyperconnectivity, artificial intelligence, and big data combine to offer an escape into another world. Augmented reality already allows us to push back the limits of our universe. But it is only an enhancement of our senses—especially sight and hearing.

Real virtuality is quite different. Beyond the possibilities it offers in terms of learning and simulation, it transports us into another world that could replace the physical theatre of our daily lives. We could thus soon be exported to an elsewhere that could become our reference, the field of our social interactions, while keeping our « feet on the ground. » This split personality can be just a game, but it can also be dangerous. With the « reification of the abstract, » virtuality is right, and we risk losing our relationship with the real world. What we do not see does not exist. Since the human brain is the terminal of the cognitive layer of the internet, are we in the process of losing control of our imagination and, consequently, of ourselves? Will we be even more enslaved to the platforms that seek to rule our lives? Will our avatars commit in the « fourth dimension » acts we disapprove of in the real world? The recent example of sexual assault by an avatar is an illustration of a possible transfer of the forbidden into what is still a legal no-man’s land. » (Army General (2S) Marc WATIN-AUGOUARD, founder of the FIC)

Face-to-face or virtual connection.

Location: Amphithéâtre Lumière, 40 avenue des Terroirs-de-France, 75012 PARIS, France

The programme and registration details will be available shortly.