Video Games, Violence, and the Ethics of Fantasy - by Christopher Bartel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Is it ever morally wrong to enjoy fantasizing about immoral things? Many video games allow players to commit numerous violent and immoral acts. But, should players worry about the morality of their virtual actions? A common argument is that games offer merely the virtual representation of violence. No one is actually harmed by committing a violent act in a game. So, it cannot be morally wrong to perform such acts. While this is an intuitive argument, it does not resolve the issue.

Focusing on why individual players are motivated to entertain immoral and violent fantasies, Video Games, Violence, and the Ethics of Fantasy advances debates about the ethical criticism of art, not only by shining light on the interesting and under-examined case of virtual fantasies, but also by its novel application of a virtue ethical account. Video games are works of fiction that enable players to entertain a fantasy. So, a full understanding of the ethical criticism of video games must focus attention on why individual players are motivated to entertain immoral and violent fantasies.

Video Games, Violence, and the Ethics of Fantasy engages with debates and critical discussions of games in both the popular media and recent work in philosophy, psychology, media studies, and game studies.

Review Quotes

"One of the pleasures of reading this book is found in Bartel's rigorously researched and careful defense of his position on philosophical grounds. His use of scenarios from published games to illustrate ethical quandaries will make the book engaging and understandable for a range of readers." --CHOICE

"Bartel's insight into one of the most pressing topics in video game ethics is a major contribution to the field. For anyone interested in the moral considerations at play in gaming, this is your book." --Morgan Luck, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Charles Stuart University, Australia

"Bartel has written a highly-readable, yet nuanced, virtue ethical account of the moral evaluation of game play. It raises the bar for those interested in ethics and games, and I have no doubt that this book will have a significant impact on video games studies for some time to come." --Stephanie Patridge, Professor of Philosophy, Otterbein University, USA

"Christopher Bartel has written a very accessible book, which is a worthwhile read for both ethicists interested in the ethical dimensions of virtual violent actions, as well as for scholars coming from game studies interested in the philosophy of video games. The approachable argumentation and easily application ideas in the book will also support those who want to engage in uncomfortable debates in a game industry that is unfortunately still unequal and at times hostile towards minorities." --Ethical Perspectives

"Video Games, Violence and the Ethics of Fantasy is an intriguing, thought-provoking read." --New Humanist

About the Author