Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

1.Imagine that virtual reality equipment eventually becomes so good that it can

ID: 1254935 • Letter: 1

Question

1.Imagine that virtual reality equipment eventually becomes so good that it can simulate sound, smell, taste, and touch as well as sight when you are wearing it. Imagine, too, that the programming becomes so elaborate that you can have week-long virtual reality experiences, not just brief encounters. Under those circumstances, would you be willing to give up real-world interactions with other people and settle for virtual reality fantasies? Why? Why not? 3-5 SENTENCES

2.What is there about an engagement with the real world that is missing from a virtual reality experience? Does everything we know come from the senses? 3-5 SENTENCES

3. Many animals are conscious, but only the higher animals seem to approach self-consciousness. Studies have suggested that chimpanzees and gorillas may have some level of self-consciousness. However, humans clearly are self-conscious. Further, we are conscious that we are self-conscious! We can reflect upon the fact that we can reflect upon ourselves and life!
Where does this self-consciousness come from? Does our ability to be self-conscious influence the way we perceive ourselves? If so, how? 3-5 SENTENCES

Explanation / Answer

Imagine that virtual reality equipment eventually becomes so good that it can simulate sound, smell, taste, and touch as well as sight when you are wearing it. Imagine, too, that the programming becomes so elaborate that you can have week-long virtual reality experiences, not just brief encounters. Under those circumstances, would you be willing to give up real-world interactions with other people and settle for virtual reality fantasies? Why? Why not? What is there about an engagement with the real world that is missing from a virtual reality experience? Does everything we know come from the senses?