Online Event: Reality+: From the Matrix to the Metaverse with David Chalmers
Virtual reality technology is advancing fast. Many predict that a "Metaverse" of virtual worlds will be the next stage of the internet. We may eventually have complete simulated universes as in *The Matrix*.
In this talk, philosopher David Chalmers argues that virtual reality is genuine reality. Virtual worlds generated by computers need not be fake or fictional realities. We can live in meaningful life in VR. We could even be in a Matrix-style virtual world already. Drawing on science, technology, and science fiction as well as philosophy, Chalmers first argues that full-scale Matrix-style simulated universes are genuine realities. He goes on to argue that Metaverse-style virtual worlds experienced through headsets are also genuine and meaningful realities. Virtual reality will no doubt bring wonderful things and awful things, but it will offer the full range of the human condition.
David Chalmers, Professor of Philosophy at New York University
David J. Chalmers is University Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at New York University. He has given the John Locke lectures and has been awarded the Jean Nicod prize and the Jon Barwise prize. He has been ranked in The Philosopher's Magazine as the second-most important living philosopher and was ranked 16th on the Prospect magazine's list of the 100 most important world thinkers in 2015. He is the author of The Conscious Mind which has been translated into 10 languages. Australian by birth he lives in New York.
What's included in your ticket:
Live lecture lasting 60 minutes including Q&A with David Chalmers
On-demand access to a recording of the lecture and Q&A for 12 months
Bonus content from New Scientist
Big Thinkers Series (Series tickets available)
The 2022 Big Thinker series from New Scientist events will feature eight online evening lectures throughout 2022, covering a wide range of scientific topics all brought to you by world-class scientists and experts. The full line up is to be announced, but the series will start with David Chalmers discussing Reality+: From the Matrix to the Metaverse.
Save £50 off the standard ticket price by purchasing an annual subscription to all 8 live online "Big Thinker" lectures (also available on-demand) or purchase single tickets for just £13 per lecture (early booking rate), to hear from the finest minds in science in 2022.