From: Joe.Monahan@asu.edu (Joe Monahan)
Subject: Re: SOC: Virtual Reality and ethics
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 07:32:03 +0000 (GMT)
Organization: ASU



People are going to think you're a flake for even asking this
question.  But I was talking with a senior scientists from SGI a few
weeks ago and he said that they have produced computers powerful
enough to produce almost photo-realistic virtual experiences.

He also said that he was aquainted with a "Virtual ethisist" from a
university in New York that was asking the same questions you are.

If we kill in a virual environment how does that change us, if at all?

I asked some (young) folks I know, and they described computer games
where the goal is to capture the enemy and torture them till they
produce the information you need to win the game. The torture is quiet
graphic, electro shock, etc.  And the victims scream in agony - some
are more resistant then others, some you have to kill in your attempt
to gather information.

I'll try to dig up the guy from SGI's contact info and find out the
name of the games - e-mail me if you think it would be of any benefit.

Joe

-- 
Joe Monahan
AZ State U.
http://earthvision.asu.edu/~joe/
Joe.Monahan@asu.edu