Epistemics of the Virtual

Proposing a new theory of fiction, this work reviews the confusion about perceived realism, metaphor, virtual worlds and the seemingly obvious distinction between what is true and what is false. The rise of new media, new technology, and creative products and services requires a new examination of what ‘real’ friends are, to what extent scientific novelty is ‘true’, and whether online content is merely ‘figurative’. In this transdisciplinary theory the author evaluates cognitive theories, philosophical discussion, and topics in biology and physics, and places these in the frameworks of computer science and literary theory. The interest of the reader is continuously challenged on matters of truth, fiction, and the shakiness of our belief systems.

Joseph B. Walther, Michigan State University:
Dr. dr. Hoorn is not just broadly educated, he is deeply educated in these areas, and his scholarly work synthesizes these otherwise-disparate areas in a seamless and compelling manner. Epistemics of the Virtual brings together principles and findings from anthropology, zoology, psychology, arts, archeology, and other areas, recognizing the disciplinary origins of the work, but showing their commonality and complementarity. I have rarely if ever met an individual with as deep and unified a knowledge base as Johan Hoorn, and I consider it a privilege to have been given glimpses of his intellectual prowess.