video games through plato's eyes
by jonathan major
As we go about our lives, it seems that technology begins to play an even greater role. It is constantly improving, and with that comes a huge upside. However, as the benefits grow, so do the negatives. For example, video games in this day and age are unlike anything in the past. Each game strives to seem as realistic as possible. As great as that may seem, it is disrupting our reality. The question that many are asking is whether or not video games are any benefit to our lives at all, or are they becoming an even greater distraction to our lives.
The access points for video games are at an all-time high. It seems as if you are unable to turn the corner without someone having direct access to these games, or an escape from reality. For many, this is exactly what these games are used for. People run to these games to let of steam, or get their mind off of things. However, whenever one begins to turn to video games as a coping mechanism they become vulnerable to addiction. In the blink of an eye, an average teenager can go from playing these games once a week, to putting everything else in their life aside, and living in front of a screen. Sadly enough, we find more and more adolescents going down this dangerous path. According to Techaddiction.ca, the same region of the brain that is stimulated whenever alcohol or drug addicts experience cravings is active whenever game addicts see images of computer games. Along with this statistic, in a 2007 study of seven thousand gamers, twelve percent were found to be addicted to video games.
The statistics mentioned above are quite frightening, and make us wonder how it will affect our society in the long run. From Plato’s point of view, he would be utterly disgusted with these findings. Plato believes in ultimate truth being found in “Forms.” From that, what we see here on Earth, are imitations, or copies of those ultimate forms. For example, there is an abstract form of a bed. Particular representations of this form here on Earth, may perform the action better or worse, and can be created or destroyed. However, the Form of bedhood, what it is to be a bed, endures forever. Plato perceives an artist as practicing imitation. For example, a painter imitates or copies the object of the aforementioned bed. However, the issue is that this object of the bed, for Plato, is merely a representation of the Form of bedhood. Therefore, this painting of a bed is several removes from reality, and very far from the ultimate truth.
The issue with video games for Plato would be the abstract reality found within each game. For example, in games such as Call of Duty, it promotes the idea of violence. This idea stretches reality. If we were to run through the streets of New York diving behind dumpsters and sniping civilians, we would be sent to prison immediately. For this exact reason, Plato would wish to have video games banned and censored immediately. Not only do these games plant false ideas in our minds, but are multiple removes from the ultimate Form. These games are imitating real life, and life itself is simply an expression of the Form. Therefore, it is too far from the truth for Plato to stand behind these games.
Video games are becoming more and more integrated into each and every person’s daily life. With this integration of new technology results many negatives. A large amount of people are abusing this advancement, which is resulting in weakened bonds between the gamer and friends or family members. If Plato had a say in today’s society, there is no doubt he would try to rid all types of these video games. Based upon his beliefs, Plato would see the games as becoming large obstacles in our ultimate search for truth and knowledge.
The access points for video games are at an all-time high. It seems as if you are unable to turn the corner without someone having direct access to these games, or an escape from reality. For many, this is exactly what these games are used for. People run to these games to let of steam, or get their mind off of things. However, whenever one begins to turn to video games as a coping mechanism they become vulnerable to addiction. In the blink of an eye, an average teenager can go from playing these games once a week, to putting everything else in their life aside, and living in front of a screen. Sadly enough, we find more and more adolescents going down this dangerous path. According to Techaddiction.ca, the same region of the brain that is stimulated whenever alcohol or drug addicts experience cravings is active whenever game addicts see images of computer games. Along with this statistic, in a 2007 study of seven thousand gamers, twelve percent were found to be addicted to video games.
The statistics mentioned above are quite frightening, and make us wonder how it will affect our society in the long run. From Plato’s point of view, he would be utterly disgusted with these findings. Plato believes in ultimate truth being found in “Forms.” From that, what we see here on Earth, are imitations, or copies of those ultimate forms. For example, there is an abstract form of a bed. Particular representations of this form here on Earth, may perform the action better or worse, and can be created or destroyed. However, the Form of bedhood, what it is to be a bed, endures forever. Plato perceives an artist as practicing imitation. For example, a painter imitates or copies the object of the aforementioned bed. However, the issue is that this object of the bed, for Plato, is merely a representation of the Form of bedhood. Therefore, this painting of a bed is several removes from reality, and very far from the ultimate truth.
The issue with video games for Plato would be the abstract reality found within each game. For example, in games such as Call of Duty, it promotes the idea of violence. This idea stretches reality. If we were to run through the streets of New York diving behind dumpsters and sniping civilians, we would be sent to prison immediately. For this exact reason, Plato would wish to have video games banned and censored immediately. Not only do these games plant false ideas in our minds, but are multiple removes from the ultimate Form. These games are imitating real life, and life itself is simply an expression of the Form. Therefore, it is too far from the truth for Plato to stand behind these games.
Video games are becoming more and more integrated into each and every person’s daily life. With this integration of new technology results many negatives. A large amount of people are abusing this advancement, which is resulting in weakened bonds between the gamer and friends or family members. If Plato had a say in today’s society, there is no doubt he would try to rid all types of these video games. Based upon his beliefs, Plato would see the games as becoming large obstacles in our ultimate search for truth and knowledge.