Prague College

There are many ways of defining the Cyberspace. One of them is to define it as a global electromagnetic domain. Actually the domain is even more, since it is also the way in which is accessed and exploited through electronic technology and the way in which modulation of electromagnetic energy is used to obtain a wide range of communication and control system capabilities.  

The electromagnetic nature of the cyberspace allows a number of possible integrations and links between sensors, signals, connections, transmissions, processors and controllers.  Thus the domain itself generates a virtual interactive experience and control which has a huge impact of the modern society. In the cyberspace the interdependent network of IT infrastructures and the telecommunications networks allow a global common control and communication.  

From a social point of view, individuals might interact, exchange ideas, share information, provide social support, conduct business, direct actions, create artistic media, play games, engage in political discussion and in general have a structured communication. All of this has several facets, consequences and a dramatic impact on the modern society where we live and it raises many interrogatives about how to integrate this domain, and its “virtual experiences” with the existing status quo.  

The annual Cyberconference held in Brno (20 – 21 November 2009) has many streams concerning all these aspects and many others. Many topics, from cyberlaw, psychology, sociology, philosophy of cyberspace and up to cyber crime and cyber security are presented in different sessions. 

The Prague College gave a contribution in the Philosophy session with the paper The Conception of Self in Multiple Cyber Worlds (Stefano Cavagnetto and Bruce Gahir) in which many issues about personal identity are discussed and a model based on information theory is proposed. The paper combines some concepts from information theory, Dennett theory of multiple drafts with the concept of liminod as proposed by Victor Tucker in 1964.  

Along with Stefano Cavagnetto and Bruce Gahir of Prague College, speakers taking part in the Philosophy stream included: Alex Carruth - Durham University, David Hill - York University, Raphael Lepuschitz - University of Innsbruck, Hannes Alkin, Tobias Haider, Andreas Kirchner - University of Vienna, Mark Graham - University of Oxford, Herbert Hrachovec - Vienna University of Technology, Charles Ess - University of Aarhus.   

Abstract for the 7th International Conference

Cyberspace 2009

Brno, Czech Republic 20-21 November 2009

Authors: Stefano Cavagnetto and Bruce Gahir, Prague College
Stream Name: Philosophy of Cyberspace
Language: English
Publication of papers: MUJLT
Convenor: Herbert Hrachovec
Area: Ontology and Phenomenology of the Virtual World

Abstract

In this paper our intention is to offer a formalized model of multiple selves in worlds such as MUDS (short for Multi-User Dungeons or Multi-User Domains).

The key element of “MUDding” from the perspective of “identity-effects” is the creation and projection of a “persona” into a virtual space. In traditional role-playing games in which one’s physical body is present, one step in and out of the character. MUD’s in contrast, offer a parallel life. The boundaries of the game are fuzzy and the routine of playing them becomes part of their players’ everyday lives.

After presenting a brief historical perspective, we utilize the conception of the self as a body of information presented by David Cole and offer a formal model of multiple selves in MUDs that encapsulates the ideas presented by Sherry Turkle. In the process we help ourselves to the concepts of “liminal” and “liminoid” states to assist in the formalizing of transitional selves between MUD and the “real” world.

In offering a formalized model of transitional selves in MUDs our main aim is to develop an ontology of such domains. This may assist further developmental work relating to the Underground City XXI project and also important questions concerning issues of responsibility and ethical behavior in MUDs.

 Read the whole paper titled "The Conception of the Self in Multiple Cyber World" here...