Mind Games

It is amazing how sometimes philosophical papers can be so vapid and yet unexpected media can be more acute.

Here is a selection of video clips from an excellent computer game.







These are but a selection from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. Normally, one does not expect philosophy in their game but the plot written into the game is far above the standard to which such things are subjected to. The whole field of Science Fiction is more about understanding oneself in a more dramatic variant of the literary method coupled with more "hands on" approaches.

Unlike many who publish in Philosophy journals (or more accurately those trying to be interdisciplinary between Philosophy and Political Science), game producers see a benefit in being understood and erudition for them is more likely to mean reference to interesting ideas instead of field specific jargon.

One can only look at much of what is considered the "geek" part of American society and sigh at the missed opportunities such people are.