Virtuality and Humanity (PDF)

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 "communications" affect virtuality? Can/should there be limits to human virtualizing?

Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig (PhD, Harvard U.) is Professor Emeritus of Bar-Ilan University, Israel, where he chaired its Political Science Department and also its School of Communication. He also served as Chairman of the Israel Political Science Association.

From online meetings to immersive gaming, virtuality appears to be everywhere and nowhere. This ground-breaking book provides the first systemic account of the concept in all its dimensions and complexity. The thesis is deceptively simple: virtuality is not some revolutionary form of mediation brought on by digital technology; it is part and parcel of being human and therefore an integral component of our existential condition. Its demonstration, however, is multifaceted and intricate as Sam Lehman-Wilzig takes readers on an exciting and expertly guided journey of discovery, examining the ways that our human reality has always and already been virtual.

David J. Gunkel, Presidential Research, Artistry and Scholarship Professor, Department of Communication, Northern Illinois University, USA

Prof. Sam Lehman-Wilzig is a world leading scholar on virtuality. His latest book, Virtuality and Humanity, is a magnum opus. It is, without a doubt, the most wide-ranging and complete work on this topic available. As the title promises, Lehman-Wilzig vividly demonstrates that virtuality is an essential part of humanity. He points out that while time spent in the technological, virtual world is increasing apace, virtuality has in fact always been a part of human life. Drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge, Lehman-Wilzig takes his readers on a fascinating journey of the role played by virtuality throughout human history. The book is well written, highly thought-provoking and extremely relevant to our lives in the 21st century. I recommend it highly.

Professor Yair Amichai-Hamburger (D.Phil, Oxford), Director of the Research Centre for Internet Psychology, Reichman University, IDC, Herzlia, Israel