CFP: Video Games and Ethics Conference

Video games are more popular than ever, and gaming is an increasingly common hobby. However, gaming raises a number of complex ethical issues. Perhaps the most familiar is the question of whether violent video games are morally appropriate or not. But beyond questions about the morality of gaming and what is appropriate content, we might wonder what the overall value of gaming is. Gamers are quite passionate about their hobby, and with concerns about gaming-disorder on the rise, it is reasonable to ask what redeeming value video games have. What role, if any, can video games have in the good life? 

The goal of this conference is to provide a small forum for philosophers and gamers interested in the ethics of gaming to share their work and enjoy the sunny winter weather of southeast Florida. Although consideration will be given to any work on the philosophy of games, we are particularly interested in papers that relate to the ethics of video gaming (interdisciplinary papers are more than welcome). Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Questions concerning how a particular normative theory (e.g. consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics) might assess aspects of gaming. For example, how might deontologists think about violent video games? Are there particular ethical, aesthetic, or intellectual virtues of gaming?
• Are the psychological concerns about the connections between gaming and aggression, desensitization, addiction, and compulsivity warranted?
• How does the value of gaming compare to other recreational activities (sports/reading)?
• What are the benefits or harms of gamification?
• How do online gaming relationships (friendships, community membership) relate to other types of relationships? Do gaming relationships have any benefits/drawbacks in comparison to these different types of relationships?

For consideration, please submit a 500-800 word abstract prepared for anonymous review to [email protected] by Oct. 15, 2022. Please include the name of the title of your paper in the body of your email. Accepted papers will give a 30-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A. The conference will take place in person, but accommodations can be made for virtual attendance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to cover the cost of attending the conference, though Mountain Dew and Cheetos will be supplied. If you have questions about the conference, contact Nicholas Baima, [email protected].

Submission Deadline: Oct. 15, 2022

Notification by Nov. 1, 2022. 

Date: February 11, 2023

Organizers:

Nicholas Baima, FAU Honors College

Sarah Malanowski, FAU Honors College.