Virtual paradises: a study about electronic games and morality in the contemporary world

Author(s)

Vítor de Morais Alves Evangelista

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Assis. 2018-10-25.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Letras. Assis
• Defense date: 2018-09-24
• Advisor: Rita Melissa Lepre

Abstract

The age of software and individuality proposes overcoming geographical and temporal barriers by providing new forms of socialization. Electronic games emerge as catharsis of postmodern society, having as main characteristics the escape, freedom and satisfaction of desires considered as impossible in reality. Many of these games provide the individual with the possibility to act in a world without rules, of inverse values, with total freedom. However, this freedom generates criticism. With reason and duty challenged by current theories and hedonism and pleasure emerging as new forms of sustaining contemporary relations, virtual environments are challenged and classified as amoral places. In front of a universe of infinite possibilities and achievements, vital characteristics of the new games, it can be said that electronic games also witness the twilight of duty and the consolidation of hedonistic pleasures and desires under the postmodern aegis. In view of the few studies relating electronic games to morals and the need for new studies on human morality in the current context of the crisis of values of contemporary society, the present research aims to provide a reflection on the moral aspects present in electronic games in contemporary. To meet these objectives, our methodology was based on semi-structured interviews and the use of videodilemmas, virtual dilemmas based on electronic games. As a form of analysis, we use content analysis, the results being discussed pursuant moral theories, with emphasis on moral psychology and postmodern theories. With regard to the dilemmas, the results indicated a number of utilitarian responses much superior to the others. In a world of possibilities, such as virtual worlds, the resolutions of moral conflicts presented in games reflect morally real guiding elements of the player. However, there are few sanctions or punishments for virtual behaviors said to be immoral. Games are virtual paradises and the possibility of satisfying desires as in a catharsis is something irresistible and inevitable to the player. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/21197-0 - Electronic games and morality in contemporary world
• Grantee: Vïtor de Morais Alves Evangelista
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate