In today’s digital age, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are changing the way we experience the world. As the founder of Marvy Co , a pioneer in AR/VR and gamification, I have spent many years witnessing the evolution of this technology and how it impacts human perception. Interestingly, the more I delve into research and development, the more I see deep similarities between AR/VR technology and Descartes’ Dualism.
Table of Contents
Dualism: The Relationship Between Mind and Body
First, let’s take a look at René Descartes’ Dualism – one of the most important philosophical views in the history of Western philosophy. Descartes argued that there exist two types of independent and distinct entities – mind and body .
- Mind: According to Descartes, the mind is immaterial, invisible, and unaffected by the laws of physics. The mind is where thinking, feeling, and consciousness exist. He believed that the mind can function independently of the body.
- Material (Body): In contrast, the body (or matter) is a physical entity, subject to the laws of nature and can be affected by physical forces. The body exists in space, can be seen and measured.
Descartes argued that these two entities could exist separately., and interact with each other at a point in the brain – believed to be the pineal gland. However, this remains a controversial issue in philosophy.
In the 4.0 era with the rise of many advanced technologies, Descartes’ Dualism opens up a profound perspective on how AR/VR technology can separate and connect the physical world with the spiritual experience, like a magical door, bringing human consciousness into many new realities in the blink of an eye.
AR/VR: When Reality Transcends Limits
Virtual Reality (VR) creates a completely virtual environment right before the eyes through a headset, where the user can experience a new world, while Augmented Reality (AR) adds virtual elements to the real world. Both technologies have the effect of adding, decorating, or even distorting reality itself and changing the way we experience the world.
At Marvy Co , we have developed many AR/VR projects with the aim of pushing the boundaries of user experience. These products not only bring entertainment but also change the way we work, learn and communicate. In the process, I realized that AR/VR is not just a technology but also deeply connected to philosophical concepts such as Dualism.
Common Ground Between Dualism and AR/VR
1. The existence of two separate realities
Dualism emphasizes the existence of two realities: the physical reality (the world we live in) and the mental reality (consciousness, thoughts). Meanwhile, AR and VR create a new digital reality that exists parallel to the physical reality. When you put on VR glasses, you are transported to a completely different world where everything is possible, but when you take them off, you return to the real world. This feeling of shifting between the two worlds is similar to the feeling Descartes described when the mind and body interact but remain separate.
2. Interaction between “parallel realities”
One of the big questions of Dualism is: How do the mind and body interact? This question can be similar to the way we ask about the interaction between the virtual world and the real world in AR/VR. In AR, digital objects can interact with the physical world. For example, an AR application might display a 3D model on your desk, and you can rotate and move it just like a real object. This interaction is a blending of two realities, similar to the way Descartes described the interaction between the mind and the body.
3. New definition of reality
Both Dualism and AR/VR technology raise profound questions about the nature of consciousness and perception. In VR, users can perceive a world that does not exist. This has the potential to redefine the word reality and raises the question: If we can experience a virtual world with full sensation and perception, then what is reality ? And how does our consciousness work in these different contexts?
These questions are very similar to what Descartes asked in Dualism: What is the nature of perception? How do consciousness and the body interact? This shows that AR/VR is not just an entertainment technology but also opens up deep philosophical discussions about humans and reality.
4. The Future of AR/VR and Dualism
I have always believed that technology is not only a tool but also a means to understand ourselves better. AR/VR is not only a technical breakthrough but also a bridge between classical philosophy and modern technology.
Dualism and AR/VR both raise questions about the distinction between mind and reality, and how we experience the world around us. As technology continues to advance, these questions will become more important, and I believe we have much more to explore at the intersection of philosophy and technology.
The future of AR/VR lies not only in creating more immersive experiences, but also in exploring the nature of consciousness and reality. At Marvy Co , we will continue to be at the forefront of pushing this boundary, delivering experiences that not only diversify the way we interact with life, but also the way we think about the world.
August 2024
Tran Khanh Vy
