Image, Art and Virtuality: Towards an Aesthetics of Relation

This book investigates the ontological state of relations in a unique way, showing that the system can be understood as a relational structure and that relations can be assessed within themselves without the need to transform them into elements. It also shows how virtual bodies are ontological hybrids representing a type of entity that has never appeared in the world before, becoming a phenomenon in interactivity and evading the dichotomy between "external" and "internal." The virtual body-environment is simultaneously external and internal, with virtual bodies-environments being seen as artificial windows to an intermediary world. The feeling of reality conveyed by a virtual environment will rely significantly on how it produces emotions in the users.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 94 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate ontological realm of relations, offering a fresh and unique perspective. It begins by introducing the concept of a system, highlighting its inherent relational structure. From there, it demonstrates that relations can be assessed and understood within themselves, without the need for transforming them into elements. The author emphasizes the distinction between "relations" and "relational properties," emphasizing that without relations, there would be no identity or existence. To explore this concept further, the book references a few entities that exemplify their systemic nature, such as images, works of art, and virtual bodies.

The book then introduces the concept of virtual bodies, which are ontological hybrids that represent a novel type of entity never before encountered in the world. These virtual bodies transcend the traditional boundaries between external and internal, blurring the lines between the mind and the external environment. The user experiences a profound sense of interactivity and immersion when engaging with these virtual bodies, as they perceive an other reality that paradoxically replicates perceptual synthesis. The virtual body-environment is characterized by its simultaneous external and internal nature, with virtual bodies-environments serving as artificial windows into an intermediary world.

In this intermediary world, space itself is the product of interactivity, and the world unfolds through the user's sense of immersion and engagement. The body, perceived as "other," takes on the sense of its reality, effectiveness, and desire, as it becomes an imaginary and pathic incision, a production of emotion and desire. The feeling of reality conveyed by a virtual environment relies heavily on how it produces these sensations and experiences.

Overall, this book provides a profound exploration of the ontological state of relations, challenging traditional notions and offering a fresh perspective on the nature of identity, existence, and the relationship between the mind and the external world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophical and theoretical implications of virtual bodies and the complex interplay between interactivity, immersion, and the perception of reality.

Weight: 185g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030677862
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021