The Virtual / Edition 1

by Rob Shields

Overview

This book looks at the origins and the many contemporary meanings of the virtual. Rob Shields shows how the construction of virtual worlds has a long history. He examines the many forms of faith and hysteria that have surrounded computer technologies in recent years. Moving beyond the technologies themselves he shows how the virtual plays a role in our daily lives at every level. The virtual is also an essential concept needed to manage innovation and risk. It is real but not actual, ideal but not abstract. The virtual, he argues, has become one of the key organizing principles of contemporary society in the public realms of politics, business and consumption as well as in our private lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415281812
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2002
Series:	Key Ideas
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Rob Shields

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. The Return of the Virtual 2. The Virtual and the Real 3. Digital Virtualities 4. Virtual Africa 5. Joystick Generation 6. Work: Virtual working 7. Business Sense for a Virtual World 8. Risk, Trust and the Virtual Conclusion: The future and the virtual