This is a pioneering study of virtuality through human history: ancient-to-modern evolution and recent expansion; expression in many fields (chapters on Religion; Philosophy, Math, Physics; Literature and the Arts; Economics; Nationhood, Government and War; Communication); psychological and social reasons for its universality; inter-relationship with "reality." The book's thesis: virtuality was always an integral part of humanity in many areas of life, generally expanding over the ages. The reasons: 1- brain psychology; 2- virtuality's six functions — escape from boredom to relieving existential dread. Other questions addressed: How will future neuroscience, biotech and "compunications" affect virtuality? Can/should there be limits to human virtualizing?
Introduction.- Defining Virtuality.- Virtuality and/in the Brain.- Religion & the Supernatural.- Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics & Cosmology.- Music, Literature & the Arts.- Economics.- Community & Nationhood, Government, War.- Communication To/With/By the Masses.- Virtuality's Expansion in the Modern Era: Media and Society.
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