Virtuality and Humanity (Paperback)

Sam N. Lehman-Wilzig

ISBN 10: 9811665257 / ISBN 13: 9789811665257

Published by Springer Verlag, Singapore, Singapore, 2021

Paperback. This is a pioneering study of virtuality through human history: ancient-to-modern evolution and recent expansion; expression in many fields (chapters on Religion; Philosophy, Math, Physics; Literature and the Arts; Economics; Nationhood, Government and War; Communication); psychological and social reasons for its universality; inter-relationship with "reality." The book's thesis: virtuality was always an integral part of humanity in many areas of life, generally expanding over the ages. The reasons: 1- brain psychology; 2- virtuality's six functions escape from boredom to relieving existential dread. Other questions addressed: How will future neuroscience, biotech and "compunications" affect virtuality? Can/should there be limits to human virtualizing? This is a pioneering study of virtuality through human history: ancient-to-modern evolution and recent expansion; The book's thesis: virtuality was always an integral part of humanity in many areas of life, generally expanding over the ages. 2- virtuality's six functions escape from boredom to relieving existential dread. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9789811665257

Synopsis:

This is a pioneering study of virtuality through human history: ancient-to-modern evolution and recent expansion; expression in many fields (chapters on Religion; Philosophy, Math, Physics; Literature and the Arts; Economics; Nationhood, Government and War; Communication); psychological and social reasons for its universality; inter-relationship with "reality." The book's thesis: virtuality was always an integral part of humanity in many areas of life, generally expanding over the ages. The reasons: 1- brain psychology; 2- virtuality's six functions — escape from boredom to relieving existential dread. Other questions addressed: How will future neuroscience, biotech and "compunications" affect virtuality? Can/should there be limits to human virtualizing?

About the Author: Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig was born in New York City where he studied at CCNY (B.A. Political Science, 1971, summa cum laude), and then in Harvard University where he completed his PhD in 1976 (School of Government). He taught (1977-2010) at the Dept. of Political Studies, Bar-Ilan University (BIU) Israel, and in BIU's recently established School of Communication (2010-2017). He also taught during sabbatical years at San Diego State University (1989-90); Brown University (2008-09); and the University of Maryland, College Park (2013).

Prof. Lehman-Wilzig also served in the following capacities: Head of BIU’s Division of Journalism & Mass Communication Studies (1991-1996); Chairman of the Israel Political Science Association (1997-1999); Founder of BIU’s Communications Program within the Dept. of Political Studies (1994-2007); Chairman of the Political Studies Department (2004-2007); Chairman of BIU's School of Communication (2014-2016).

His fields of expertise are: New Media & Communications; Technology & Society; and Political Communication. In these fields, he has published 40 academic articles (among them, the first ever study of Artificial Intelligence and Law), 22 book chapters, and two academic books in English, plus a popular textbook: Handbook of Mass Communications (in Hebrew; 1994). Prof. Lehman-Wilzig has presented over 70 papers at international academic and university conferences, also appearing at numerous speaking venues such as weekend Scholar-in-Residence, public lectures on current events, and media appearances (newspaper, radio and TV). For more details, see: www.ProfSLW.com

Bibliographic Details

Title: Virtuality and Humanity (Paperback)
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore, Singapore
Publication Date: 2021
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new
Edition: 1st Edition