A leading philosopher takes a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it. Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of Reality+. In a highly original work of “technophilosophy,” David J. Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. We may even be in a virtual world already. Along the way, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of big ideas in philosophy and science. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. How do we know that there’s an external world? Is there a god? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers’ mind-bending analysis. Studded with illustrations that bring philosophical issues to life, Reality+ is a major statement that will shape discussion of philosophy, science, and technology for years to come.

A comprehensive study guide offering in-depth explanation, essay, and test prep for selected works by Henrik Ibsen, the foremost playwright of the nineteenth century and the most frequently performed dramatist in the world after Shakespeare. Titles in this study guide include Brand, Peer Gynt, A Doll’s House, Ghosts, An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck, Hedda Gabler, The Master Builder, Pillars of Society, Rosmersholm, and John Gabriel Borkman. As a writer of social plays set in nineteenth-century Norway, Ibsen’s use of realistic dialogue and depiction of characters’ inner lives shaped the modern movement in drama. Moreover, as creator of the “problem play,” Ibsen’s brilliant psychological analysis of character continues to influence modern writers. This Bright Notes Study Guide explores the context and history of Ibsen’s classic works, helping students to thoroughly explore the reasons they have stood the literary test of time. Each Bright Notes Study Guide contains: - Introductions to the Author and the Work - Character Summaries - Plot Guides - Section and Chapter Overviews - Test Essay and Study Q&As The Bright Notes Study Guide series offers an in-depth tour of more than 275 classic works of literature, exploring characters, critical commentary, historical background, plots, and themes. This set of study guides encourages readers to dig deeper in their understanding by including essay questions and answers as well as topics for further research.