AFK in Florida: The 5th Annual Philosophy of Video Games Conference

The Department of Philosophy at Florida Atlantic University invite submissions for the fifth annual AFK in Florida: The Philosophy of Video Games Conference.

This interdisciplinary conference brings together philosophers, artists, and educators to explore the ethical, aesthetic, metaphysical, social, and political dimensions of games and play. We welcome papers that approach video games as philosophically rich texts and experiences, as well as work that examines the broader philosophical implications of interactive media and ludic culture. 

Although the primary focus is on video games, we also encourage submissions on related domains of play—board games, puzzles, amusement and theme parks, and other forms of play—inasmuch as they raise meaningful philosophical questions. Preference will be given to papers that engage directly with video games. Also, please note this conference will be entirely in person. 

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Ethics and games: agency, violence, moral choice
• Aesthetics: the art status of games, expression, representation
• Metaphysics of virtual worlds and digital identity
• Epistemology and game mechanics: knowledge, discovery, and rule systems
• Virtue theory and character development in gameplay
• Games as vehicles for social or political critique
• Philosophical themes in game narratives and design
• Mind, embodiment, and virtual experience
• The nature of fun, fantasy, and imagination
• The philosophy of play and its role in human life
• Philosophical pedagogy through games and in the classroom  

For questions, random thoughts, cat pictures, and fun conversation, contact Nicholas Baima, [email protected]