There’s a new book out called “World of Warcraft and Philosophy.” Now as a former philosophy major and an avid World of Warcraft player, how can I possibly resist?
World of Warcraft and Philosophy (Popular Culture and Philosophy)
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) in videogame history, World of Warcraft is everywhere — from episodes of South Park and The Simpsons, to online series like Watch the Guild, accolades and awards from game critics, and prime-time commercials with Mr. T. Inevitably, such a cultural phenomenon triggers deeper questions. When does an assumed identity become real? Does the Corrupted Blood epidemic warn us of future public health catastrophes? What are the dangers when real life is invaded by events in the game? What can our own world learn from Azeroth’s blend of primitivism and high-tech? In these lively essays, a specially commissioned guild of philosophers, including Yara Mitsuishi, Monica Evans, Tim Christopher, and Anna Janssen, tackles these and other complex questions arising from WoW.
The only thing is, I wish somehow it would be required reading. Unfortunately, I suspect it will by and large be the sort of read that will attract only those that have no pressing need for the book’s enlightenment. But, isn’t that always the way with philosophy?
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