Keeping It Real in VR: empathy, therapy, virtual objects and actions

Keeping it Real in VR: empathy, therapy, virtual objects and actions

This workshop will explore the new developments in philosophy of virtual reality research, specifically looking at the status of ‘virtuality’ in VR. We will explore the question of feeling empathy in VR, feeling embodied in VR therapy, engaging with virtual objects, and acting in virtual environments.

Workshop Schedule

10:00 – 10:15
Welcome & Introduction

10:15 – 11:15
Sandra Branzaru, University of Bucharest, Romania

“Empathy and virtual reality - enhancement or myth”

30 min coffee break

11:45 – 13:00
Volha Saroka, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland

“Therapy in VR. Philosophical perspective on the experience of art therapy in practice”. Mini-experiment

13:00 – 14:15 Lunch break

14:15 – 15:15
Federico Fantelli, University of Antwerp, Belgium

“Phenomenological phantoms and virtual objects”

15:20 – 16:20
Thomas van Es, University of the Basque Country, Spain

& Zuzanna Rucińska, University of Antwerp, Belgium

“Real virtuality: An enactivist perspective on acting in VR”

10 minute break

16:30 – 17:00
Interactive Session/Group Discussion

The event is free of charge. It includes a coffee break (lunch at own expense @ café Agora). Registration is mandatory by emailing [email protected]