Virtuality and Humanity

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?

Shows when virtuality started in history and how it progressed & expanded until the present day Describes how and why virtuality appears in many human fields (religion, economics, physics, communications) Predicts the future of virtuality in technology and society

Autorentext
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

Inhalt
Introduction.- Defining Virtuality.- Virtuality and/in the Brain.- Religion & the Supernatural.- Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics & Cosmology.- Music, Literature & the Arts.- Economics.- Community & Nationhood, Government, War.- Communication To/With/By the Masses.- Virtuality's Expansion in the Modern Era: Media and Society.