Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper addresses the philosophical debate surrounding the ontological status of virtual objects. According to an influential anti‐realist view, virtual objects are merely fictional and therefore do not exist. My primary aim is to defend a realist view about virtual objects against this fictionalist anti‐realist view. I first challenge the anti‐realist view by comparing make‐believe games and virtual worlds. Then, I argue that although the debate between realists and anti‐realists about virtual objects may seem to reach a stalemate, a shared point of agreement can be used to break it. A key idea I seek to highlight is that there is no ontologically significant difference between colored objects and virtual objects. Lastly, I propose an error theory to address a potential worry with my view.
Source: The Philosophical Forum
DOI: 10.1111/phil.70003
Author: Seong Soo Park
Institution: Sungkyunkwan University
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W4412762151