William Sims Bainbridge Knihy

This book delves into the sociocultural convergence in multiplayer online games and virtual worlds, merging computer science, social science, and the humanities. The rise of online media offers new avenues for collecting social science data and provides contexts for developing theories and conducting education in both the arts and technology. Role-playing games and virtual environments illustrate classical concepts of human behavior, fostering innovative thinking. The insights stem from a series of international conferences focused on science and technology convergence over fifteen years. The methodology involves sending avatars, representing classical social theorists or schools of thought, into game worlds that either align with or challenge their core ideas, including technological determinism, urban sociology, group dynamics, freedom versus control, class stratification, linguistic variation, functional equivalence across cultures, behavioral psychology, civilization collapse, and ethnic pluralism. Researchers and students in social and behavioral sciences will find diverse examples of qualitative and quantitative cultural and societal analysis in various online communities. Additionally, artists and gamers can learn valuable styles and skills applicable to their own creative endeavors.

By examining various religious movements such as Holiness, Adventism, and New Age, this book delves into the dynamic interplay between religion and society. It discusses themes of schism, innovation, and conversion, illustrating how these elements influence each other. Building on previous award-winning works, it offers insights into diverse groups, including Satanism and religious communes, highlighting their impact on societal transformations and the democratization of faith practices.

The book explores the profound religious transformations in advanced societies, highlighting how converging scientific fields diminish the space for faith. It argues that the perceived benefits of religion are overstated and declining, suggesting they can be substituted by emerging Transhumanist technologies. However, it raises critical questions about the compatibility of atheism with humanity's long-term survival, particularly in light of declining birth rates.

The exploration of secularization reveals its complexity and significance beyond common understanding. The author employs various online methods to analyze the evolving nature of religion and its interplay with information technology, suggesting that technology may play a vital role in transforming religious practices and beliefs. This study offers fresh insights into the dynamic relationship between modernity and spirituality.

Exploring the impact of communication technologies on daily life, this book analyzes the concept of 'virtual futures' through the lens of social science theory. It delves into the experiences and perspectives of players within online game worlds like Entropia Universe, highlighting how these virtual environments shape our understanding of reality and community.

Exploring the intersection of astronautics, computer science, and social science, this book delves into the complexities of simulating human society in outer space. It highlights various dynamic representations of space-related social systems, including advanced AI models and interactive virtual worlds. The text emphasizes the importance of these simulations, especially in the current era of limited human space exploration, as vital tools for preparing for future endeavors beyond Earth. Educational programs and games are also discussed, offering insights for both the public and space agencies.

An exploration of the popular online role-playing game World of Warcraft as a virtual prototype of the real human future.

The book presents a detailed examination of The Family, also known as The Children of God, through extensive interviews and a comprehensive questionnaire from over a thousand members. It delves into the group's unique integration of spirituality and sexuality, their beliefs in messages from beyond, and their anticipation of an impending Endtime. Additionally, it addresses the controversial efforts by anti-cultists and the state to deprogram members, raising intriguing questions about the similarities and differences between this counterculture and mainstream society.

Published in 1997, this work from Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis, explores significant themes relevant to its field. It offers insights and analyses that contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students alike, reflecting the academic rigor and quality associated with its publisher.

The book delves into the potential for preserving and simulating human personalities with increasing accuracy, presenting a vision of an extraordinary future. It features various pilot studies and programming projects that illustrate the practical applications and advancements in this field, highlighting the intersection of technology and human identity.