Exploring Virtual Reality through Ihde's Instrumental Realism
arXiv Preprint Archive January 23, 2024 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDrawing on Don Ihde's theory of instrumental realism, this paper examines virtual reality (VR) as a tool for phenomenological inquiry. It reviews how VR technology has prompted a technological revolution and is used to study subjective experience, perception, embodiment, empathy, perspective-taking, and altered states of consciousness. The paper argues that VR expands human perception and cognition, serving as an instrumental technology that opens new avenues for scientific investigation and transforms understanding of the world. By reflecting on the work of Husserl and Ihde, it revisits VR's potential to reshape how we experience and know reality.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Virtual-reality Human-computer-interaction cs.hc Digital-embodiment Perceptual-technology |
| Key finding | Virtual reality, as an instrumental technology, expands human perception and cognition, offering new pathways for phenomenological inquiry and transforming our understanding of the world. |
Abstract
Based on Ihde's theory, this paper explores the relationship between virtual reality (VR) as an instrument and phenomenology. It reviews the "technological revolution" spurred by the development of VR technology and discusses how VR has been used to study subjective experience, explore perception and embodiment, enhance empathy and perspective, and investigate altered states of consciousness. The paper emphasizes the role of VR as an instrumental technology, particularly its ability to expand human perception and cognition. Reflecting on this in conjunction with the work of Husserl and Ihde, among others, it revisits the potential of VR to provide new avenues for scientific inquiry and experience and to transform our understanding of the world through VR.