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sperks's review against another edition
4.0
A great exploration of various philosophical topics. The use of video games as thought experiments or even just as ways of demonstrating a concept was engaging; I've even added some of the mentioned games to my wish list (also, just to be clear, there are spoilers within the book -- the plot does need to be explained for the philosophy to be explored). I particularly liked the chapters seven and eight (which was on moral systems). Additionally, the chapter on virtual reality served to introduce me to a view I had not yet considered before which is always fun.
My least favourite chapters were the last two which, at least in my eyes, took on a more... one-sided stance. With the other chapters being sure to explore as many sides as possible without becoming their own books, the chapter on politics (to a lesser degree) and the chapter on death (to a greater degree) felt biased. Arguing your own opinion is all well and good, but when the rest of the book is neutral it feels out of place. And since the last chapters were what I read, well, last that impression stuck (hence the 4/5 instead of the 5/5).
However, its sill a fantastic read with many fascinating insights. It serves as an interesting introduction to philosophy; I'm definitely going to need to reread it sometime.
My least favourite chapters were the last two which, at least in my eyes, took on a more... one-sided stance. With the other chapters being sure to explore as many sides as possible without becoming their own books, the chapter on politics (to a lesser degree) and the chapter on death (to a greater degree) felt biased. Arguing your own opinion is all well and good, but when the rest of the book is neutral it feels out of place. And since the last chapters were what I read, well, last that impression stuck (hence the 4/5 instead of the 5/5).
However, its sill a fantastic read with many fascinating insights. It serves as an interesting introduction to philosophy; I'm definitely going to need to reread it sometime.
griddleoctopus's review against another edition
5.0
I wrote half of it, so you should totally discount this review.
dayface's review against another edition
2.0
This book is, ostensibly, a beginners crash course on theoretical philosophy. The 'Ten Things' are not as clearly delineated as the title suggests - why must every non-fiction book strive for Buzzfeed clickbait titles, now? I appreciate the exception.
I felt rather condescended, because I actively think about and reflect on the games I play, and so I didn't really learn anything about a single game mentioned (of which I've played 90%+). Jordan and Daniel basically summarise interesting contemporary (mostly, rightfully, indie) games. You could read the Wiki articles and make the same conclusions.
Tim Rogers's videos will help you learn about video games, and our relative dispositions to them as art (or umwelts, reality mirrors reflecting ourSelves). Hell, YouTube in general offers a more profound array of insights into video game philosophy while providing footage.
I felt rather condescended, because I actively think about and reflect on the games I play, and so I didn't really learn anything about a single game mentioned (of which I've played 90%+). Jordan and Daniel basically summarise interesting contemporary (mostly, rightfully, indie) games. You could read the Wiki articles and make the same conclusions.
Tim Rogers's videos will help you learn about video games, and our relative dispositions to them as art (or umwelts, reality mirrors reflecting ourSelves). Hell, YouTube in general offers a more profound array of insights into video game philosophy while providing footage.
jonbrady's review
5.0
An accessible introduction to philosophical concepts such as utilitarianism and both uses games to explain them and explains how games utilise them for storytelling, or to conveys themes the creators wish to put across. Highly recommended for those looking to delve deeper into the thinking behind a number of recent games or for those looking to get into philosophy.
halftheisland's review
4.0
Good but not for me
Marking this as done without finishing it. As well written and entertaining a bit of pop philosophy as I've seen, but not really the book for me. Would definitely recommend this as an introductory text for anyone interested in philosophy but not sure how or where to start
Marking this as done without finishing it. As well written and entertaining a bit of pop philosophy as I've seen, but not really the book for me. Would definitely recommend this as an introductory text for anyone interested in philosophy but not sure how or where to start
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