The Philospphy of Computer Games 2009

The aim of this conference is to contribute to the development of discussions of philosophical problems that are raised by the study of computer games. This conference is the end result of an initiative originally taken 2005, when Filosofisk Prosjektsenter and the Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas at University of Oslo, contacted Center for Computer Games Research at the IT-University of Copehagen about organizing a workshop on philosophical problems that arise in games research.Since then, an ever expanding group of partners have been involved in the effort. The next conference was held in Reggio-Emilia, Italy in 2007 and the last was held in Potsdam, Germany 2008.The contributors have so far been dominated by media researchers, but we are hoping to increase the presence of traditional philosophers with an interest for this subject.Call for PapersWe hereby invite scholars in any field who take a professional interest in the phenomenon of computer games to submit papers to the international conference “The Philosophy of Computer Games 2009″, to be held in Oslo, Norway, on August 13-15, 2009. Accepted papers will have a clear focus on philosophy and philosophical issues in relation to computer games. They will also attempt to use specific examples rather than merely invoke “computer games” in general terms. We invite submissions focusing on, but not limited to, thefollowing three headings: Fictionality and Interaction: Computer games are often conceived as a setting for fictional narratives, facts, objects and events, although the interactive setting is thought to give fictionality a special character and to be intertwined with non-fictional aspects in various ways. We invite papers on relevant discussions offictionality, narrative, fictional objects, simulation, virtuality, and kindred cognitive notions like make-believe, pretense, and imagination.Defining Computer Games: Is it possible to point to some defining characteristic(s) of computer games? We are especially interested in discussions of formal definitions of computer games in terms of characteristics such as rules, play, representation, computation, affordances, interaction, negotiable consequences, and so on. We welcome both constructive and critical discussions, as long as they are directed at clearly articulated proposals.Ethical and Political Issues: What are the ethical responsibilities of game-makers in relation to individual gamers and society ingeneral? What role, if any, can games serve as a critical cultural corrective in relation to traditional forms of media and communicative practices, for example in economy and politics? Also, what isthe nature of the ethical norms that apply within the gaming context, and what are the factors that allow or delimit philosophical justifications of their application there or elsewhere?Your abstract should not exceed 1000 words. If your submission falls under one of the three headings, please indicate which one. Send your abstract to submissions@gamephilosophy.org. All submitted abstracts will be subject to double blind peer review, and the program committee will make a final selection of papers for the conference on the basis of this. Full manuscripts must be submitted by August 8, and will be made available on the conference website.Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2009. Notification of accepted submissions will be sent out by June 10, 2009.Olav Asheim, Miguel Sicart, Frans Mäyrä, Patrick Coppock, Sten Ludvigsen, Ole Ertløv Hansen, Stephan Günzel, Rune Klevjer, John Richard Sageng,Ragnhild Tronstad