What Is Real? Virtual Reality and Philosophy Write a short essay on the topic that is intellectually geared towards a philosophical  analysis

What Is Real? Virtual Reality and Philosophy

Write a short essay on the topic that is intellectually geared towards a philosophical  analysis. Do not summarize any source you rely on or draw from and do not  elaborate beyond basic necessary details how a given VR technology/ application/device operates or functions.

?             Your essay should begin with a presentation of an aspect, a question, a  problem, a challenge, or a difficulty regarding the very notion of Virtual Reality, and or, the impact of VR on either our conception of reality, our  experience, or our sense of 'self'. You are encouraged to rely on a  relevant source for that purpose (from course bibliography or other) to  which you are required to provide clear reference according to some referencing method (like Chicago Manual of Style or APA Style).

?             Then proceed to your topic as an example of that aspect or question etc.  and show how the latter is manifested or exemplified in the former. 

?             Finally, provide your own thoughts or commentary to that aspect,  question, etc. and use a philosophical text/philosopher to support your  claim from either course bibliography or any other relevant source. 

Use concepts and ideas we have discussed throughout the semester and try to  implement them in your commentary.

Your essay should not exceed 1,000 words and contain at least 600 words.  Keep it simple and to the point, phrase your ideas in coherent passages, and make sure that your work meets the academic standards of writing, including  proof-reading (grammar and syntax are correct.

Avoid unfounded generalizations and prophecies, refrain from long quotes or  detailed background or usages, descriptions or narratives. 

There is no need for bibliography list at the end of the paper; merely correct 

references whenever you quote or otherwise refer to a claim or an idea in some  source.

Sources:

What is Virtual Reality? Philosophy of the Virtual

Reading: Heim (1993, 1998); Hayles (1999).

The Nature of Reality or, the Possibility of (True) Knowledge

Reading: Descartes (1996), Berkley (1734), Hume (2007), Dennett (1981).

The Matrix Scenario: Metaphysics, Epistemology & Ethics

Reading: Chalmers (2001), Brannigan (2002), Nozick (1989).