@article{ART003146129},
author={Damin Yee},
title={Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?},
journal={Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University},
issn={1598-3021},
year={2024},
volume={81},
number={4},
pages={511-543},
doi={10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511}
TY - JOUR
AU - Damin Yee
TI - Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?
JO - Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University
PY - 2024
VL - 81
IS - 4
PB - Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University
SP - 511
EP - 543
SN - 1598-3021
AB - This paper critically examines the idea that virtual reality is an empathy machine. It is widely believed that the unique technological features of virtual reality allow us to literally walk a mile in other’s virtual shoes and make us empathize with others more deeply compared to traditional media.
However, this paper claims that such a belief is problematic as it is based on a superficial observation of the experiences provided by virtual reality and a misleading understanding of certain concepts. Furthermore, it is pointed out that the misconception of viewing virtual reality as an empathy machine may lead to overestimating its ethical potential. By formulating and critically examining the empathy machine thesis, we may better assess the moral possibilities of virtual reality experiences.
KW - Virtual Reality;Empathy;Empathy Machine;Imagination;Ethics of Virtual Reality
DO - 10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
ER -
Damin Yee. (2024). Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 81(4), 511-543.
Damin Yee. 2024, "Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?", Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, vol.81, no.4 pp.511-543. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee "Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 81.4 pp.511-543 (2024) : 511.
Damin Yee. Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?. 2024; 81(4), 511-543. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee. "Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 81, no.4 (2024) : 511-543.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee. Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 81(4), 511-543. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee. Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University. 2024; 81(4) 511-543. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee. Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?. 2024; 81(4), 511-543. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
Damin Yee. "Is Virtual Reality an Empathy Machine?" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 81, no.4 (2024) : 511-543.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.81.4.202411.511
