Loss of the world: A philosophical dialogue (1)

Abstract

Humanity has begun to move from the natural world intothe cyber world. Issues surrounding this mentalmigration are debated in philosophical dialogue. Thelead character is Becket Geist, a romantic philosopherwith views tempered by 20th century science. He openswith a monologue in which he argues that ‘loss of theworld’ in exchange for the cyber world is dark andinevitable. His chief adversary is Fortran McCyborg,a cyborg with leanings toward Scottish philosophy. The moderating force is Nonette Naturski who championsnaturalism, conservation of humanist ideals, andprudent conclusions. The ensuing dialogue examineseight counter-arguments to Geist's vision. Thearguments and Geist's replies lead to unanticipatedchanges in position that cascade to a chillingclose.