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Virtual Reality and Empathy Enhancement: Ethical Aspects.

Jon Rueda1, Francisco Lara1

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Summary

Virtual Reality (VR) shows potential for enhancing empathy, but virtual embodiment in avatars may be a more philosophically sound approach. This research explores ethical considerations for VR empathy enhancement.

Keywords:
applied ethicsempathyempathy enhancementmoral enhancementmoral psychologyneuroethicsvirtual embodimentvirtual reality

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Area of Science:

  • Philosophy of Technology
  • Ethics
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

  • Technological advancements, particularly Virtual Reality (VR), present new avenues for influencing human morality and character.
  • VR's immersive nature has led to its characterization as an "empathy machine," prompting interest in its potential for moral enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To ethically evaluate the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for enhancing empathy.
  • To explore the concept of VR as an "empathy machine" and critically assess its suitability.
  • To propose alternative methods for empathy enhancement through virtual embodiment and outline ethical guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Introduction to Virtual Reality (VR) technology, including its core features, devices, and concepts.
  • Analysis of VR's potential as an "empathy machine" and critique of its efficacy.
  • Exploration of virtual embodiment in avatars as an alternative strategy for fostering empathy-related abilities.

Main Results:

  • While VR offers novel ways to engage with empathy-related experiences, it may not be the optimal method for genuine empathy enhancement.
  • Virtual embodiment in avatars presents a promising alternative for developing empathy-related abilities.
  • Significant ethical concerns surround the use of VR for empathy enhancement, necessitating careful consideration.

Conclusions:

  • A critical examination of VR's role in empathy enhancement reveals limitations and ethical challenges.
  • Virtual embodiment in avatars is proposed as a more philosophically robust approach to fostering empathy.
  • The development of VR-based empathy enhancement projects requires specific guidelines grounded in a reason-guided approach to empathy.