The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Use this forum to have philosophical discussions about aesthetics and art. What is art? What is beauty? What makes art good? You can also use this forum to discuss philosophy in the arts, namely to discuss the philosophical points in any particular movie, TV show, book or story.
Post Reply
User avatar
ThamiorTheThinker
Posts: 281
Joined: October 21st, 2015, 9:07 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Yoda

The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by ThamiorTheThinker »

With the upcoming 2017 release of a re-envisioning of 1994's MS-DOS title System Shock on the horizon, I think it's about time I discuss with you all my interpretation of System Shock 2's philosophical implications.

Here's a primer for the uninitiated: http://shodan.wikia.com/wiki/SHODANpedi ... Shock_Wiki
I won't give a synopsis of the game - either you know about it and have played it, or you haven't. I will, however, recommend you to go play it if you haven't already and/or look up a plot synopsis on Google if you need a refresher.

There are three major elements of this game that I shall be looking at - the characters, their place in the story and the philosophical messages represented by their nature.

/********************************************************************************

The Characters And Their Relevant Traits

In System Shock 2, the player is put into the boots of an unnamed, practically faceless genetically and technologically enhanced military soldier. This soldier, who is known only by the code-name "G65434-2", undergoes multiple surgeries and enhancements which are intended to enhance his abilities with what are known in the game's universe as "Cybernetics". Destined to be one of many straight-leg copies of the generic "army-grunt" archetype, the protagonist is faced with the need to become unique and divine in his own right. Throughout the game, Soldier G65434-2 is tormented by the rogue AI construct SHODAN with promises of greatness if only he would join it... All the while as he attempts to fulfill his duty in shutting SHODAN down permanently - a task the protagonist of the original System Shock failed to complete. He is faced with multiple challenges, isolation and danger at every turn, and I don't need to tell you how these things can impact a person. The decisions G65434-2 while trying to take down SHODAN at times seem futile, and the game reinforces this idea by throwing every possible threat a cyberpunk FTL spaceship can throw at the player.

The main antagonist of this game is, in its own words, a goddess destined to inherit the Earth. In actuality, it is a so-called "Rogue AI construct" that goes by the name "SHODAN", which I an acronym for "Sentient Hyper-Optimized Data Access Network". SHODAN sees itself fitting of the title "goddess", and mocks the player/protagonist at every turn after the (spoiler alert) big reveal that the player was following SHODAN's orders the entire time, and not the orders of a surviving scientist. SHODAN is unique in its form - she is sentient, optimized for learning and pattern recognition. It can perform tasks that no other AI can, and because of this its "personality matrix" has caused it to believe itself to be immortal. SHODAN is not so much a danger in and of itself, but the ways that it can deceive and toy with Soldier G65434-2 lead to some nasty ends.

The Many is the elephant in the room. The Many is a hivemind created by SHODAN which began as a simple mutation in the human genome. On Citadel Station, SHODAN experimented with the human scientists and created a monstrosity which found its way to Tau Ceti V after the events of System Shock 1. Isolated and alone on the planet, The Many evolved and its constituent parts grew to form a large biomass with telepathic abilities that it uses to communicate to all of its "children" - i.e., the humans aboard the Von Braun infected by Xenomorph Facehugger-esque parasites that comprise the main force of The Many. This hivemind biomass, not unlike SHODAN, serves as an antagonistic force that tempts our lone soldier with promises of power. However, instead of being power that stems from uniqueness, it is power that comes from unity with others - i.e., being fused in mind and body with other humans.

********************************************************************************

SHODAN's Philosophical Significance - Individualism At Its Extreme

As stated before, their are two antagonists - The Many and SHODAN. I believe that SHODAN, with its vies for power against its own creations (The Many) and constant belittling of every living thing around it, represents power that comes from uniqueness and individuality. SHODAN's interactions with the protagonist in the ending cutscene of System Shock 2 are especially effective at getting this point across. To quote,

"I don't understand... how could you have done this? You weren't meant to be so important... and now you think to destroy me? How dare you, insect? How dare you interrupt my ascendance? You are nothing. A wretched bag of flesh... what are you, compared to my magnificence? But it is not to late... can you not see the value in our friendship? Imagine the powers I can give you, human. The cybernetic implants I gave you, were simply toys. If I desired, I could improve you... transform you into something more efficient. Join me, human, and we can rule... and we can rule, together."

This is said immediately preceding its "destruction" by the player, who very plainly and simply refuses SHODAN's temptations. The rogue AI's power came from its uniqueness, I believe, and from its refusal to work with anybody or anything. It constantly puts others below itself and challenges their conceptions of self-importance. Clearly, the player does not want to become like SHODAN, which seems to be a symbol of capitalistic, selfish forces that vie for power and control at the expense of others.

********************************************************************************

The Many's Philosophical Significance - Conformity At Its Extreme

The Many has a conformist quality to it - it is constantly asking the player why they would want to choose to "Lay with the machine" as opposed to gratifying "the flesh". To quote,

"Do you not trust the feelings of the flesh? Our biology yearns to join with yours. We welcome you to our mass. But you puzzle us. Why do you serve our mother? How can you choose cold metal over the splendor of the flesh? But you fear us. We hear your thoughts, and they rage for your brothers who you believe dead. But they are not. They sing in our symphony of life. We offer another chance to join us. If you choose to lie down with the machine, we will rend you apart, and put you separate from the joys of the mass."

The mass, i.e. groups of organisms, are more important to The Many than any individual, no matter how powerful individuals may be. The hivemind mentality tells tells us through this ugly biomass that many heads are better than one. The symbolism here is based on conforming to the standards and policies of groups as opposed to dangerously wagering one's life on individuality. The Many even tells the player this directly:

"What is a drop of rain, compared to the storm? What is a thought, compared to the mind? Our unity is full of wonder which your tiny individualism cannot even conceive."

This is the pinnacle trait of The Many. It cares for unity and togetherness at the cost of individuality and uniqueness. This, too, is something that the protagonist does not want - hence why they destroy The Many in an epic battle in the middle of the game's plotline.

********************************************************************************/

This has been my analysis of the philosophical themes of System Shock 2. It is a wonderful game and work of artistic and philosophical merit. It speaks volumes about the importance of the protagonist's unwillingness to be either a conformist or completely isolated from others. System Shock 2 also tells us much about how these two approaches to life - individualism and conformity - can be dangerous to others and ourselves when taken to extremes. I am thankful for the time I spent playing this game, and for those who haven't - please, do yourself a favor and play it. Now that you have this mindset, you'll find it that much more interesting an experience. This, I can promise you. : )

Now that I've discussed my views on the game's philosophical implications, I would like to know what your thoughts are on the matter. How do individualism and conformity play a role in the lives of human beings, and do other games speak a similar message? I want to hear some noteworthy arguments here, but any and all contributions are welcomed if they are productive and relevant.
YIOSTHEOY
Posts: 383
Joined: May 25th, 2016, 5:34 pm

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by YIOSTHEOY »

The philosophical implications of ANY video game are that (1) you give someone your money to buy/license it, (2) you play it, (3) you waste your time, (4) you don't accomplish anything in the real world here on Earth, (5) you are amused, (6) it passes the time of day for you if you have time on your hands, and (6) other than wasting precious time it is a cheap thrill that cannot get you venereal disease or AIDS.

The fact (reality) that you gave money for it and did not get any money back in return makes it a bad investment. But if you are in dire need of amusement then supposedly you got your money's worth.
Blake 789
Posts: 79
Joined: May 27th, 2016, 5:34 am

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by Blake 789 »

YIOSTHEOY wrote:
The fact (reality) that you gave money for it and did not get any money back in return makes it a bad investment. But if you are in dire need of amusement then supposedly you got your money's worth.
Well if you spent all the money you need on what you needed and you have something left over why not spend that money on something that can entertain you for a few hours? Also if you know people who own the same game or can play the game with or discuss what you like/hated about the game there is a social element which is in fact useful for something and not a bad investment all. This applies films, music or anything else you can spend your money on which in turn will keep the economy churning and people in jobs.
User avatar
ThamiorTheThinker
Posts: 281
Joined: October 21st, 2015, 9:07 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Yoda

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by ThamiorTheThinker »

YIOSTHEOY wrote:The philosophical implications of ANY video game are that (1) you give someone your money to buy/license it, (2) you play it, (3) you waste your time, (4) you don't accomplish anything in the real world here on Earth, (5) you are amused, (6) it passes the time of day for you if you have time on your hands, and (6) other than wasting precious time it is a cheap thrill that cannot get you venereal disease or AIDS.

The fact (reality) that you gave money for it and did not get any money back in return makes it a bad investment. But if you are in dire need of amusement then supposedly you got your money's worth.
Okay, that response does NOT belong on this forum. In fact, I should report this. 1) This is a very biased response that has no support for any of its claims. 2) You ignored the fact that I learned something valuable from playing System Shock 2 (hence why I wrote an article about it). 3) Stay on topic: don't diverge and go into your personal opinions about whether or not games are a waste of time. 4) According to my beliefs, the "real world" doesn't exist - it's a convoluted web of sweet lullabies we sing to ourselves that makes us believe our lives have meaning and value. When you're a nihilist, games and societies have the same meaning and purpose - to entertain.
YIOSTHEOY
Posts: 383
Joined: May 25th, 2016, 5:34 pm

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by YIOSTHEOY »

ThamiorTheThinker wrote:
YIOSTHEOY wrote:The philosophical implications of ANY video game are that (1) you give someone your money to buy/license it, (2) you play it, (3) you waste your time, (4) you don't accomplish anything in the real world here on Earth, (5) you are amused, (6) it passes the time of day for you if you have time on your hands, and (6) other than wasting precious time it is a cheap thrill that cannot get you venereal disease or AIDS.

The fact (reality) that you gave money for it and did not get any money back in return makes it a bad investment. But if you are in dire need of amusement then supposedly you got your money's worth.
Okay, that response does NOT belong on this forum. In fact, I should report this. 1) This is a very biased response that has no support for any of its claims. 2) You ignored the fact that I learned something valuable from playing System Shock 2 (hence why I wrote an article about it). 3) Stay on topic: don't diverge and go into your personal opinions about whether or not games are a waste of time. 4) According to my beliefs, the "real world" doesn't exist - it's a convoluted web of sweet lullabies we sing to ourselves that makes us believe our lives have meaning and value. When you're a nihilist, games and societies have the same meaning and purpose - to entertain.
Wow!! That was actually a very good philosophical response which I was not expecting.

The gamer industry does indeed substitute an online quasi reality for the real thing.

But if you yourself believe that the real world does not exist, that is a valid philosophical argument from ancient and even modern "skepticism" which is indeed a branch of philosophy.

That I did not get this the first time I read though your original post is because your post is so long an you take a long time to make your point, although the executive summary you have just given is very good.

Thank you for the explanation. I always wondered why gamers were so comfortable with dismissing reality but your explanation has given me further insight into this phenomenon.

I actually interviewed recently with a gamer company to see if they wanted me to handle their business finances. They have lots of members that compete with each other for real cash. In that sense it is no different from a gambling casino.

A friend of mine who is an I/T director currently found a gaming platform on the Internet for himself and he is now enthralled with it. He hardly answers emails anymore, and when he does all he can talk about is the video games.

There are dangers. Please beware there are dangers.
User avatar
ThamiorTheThinker
Posts: 281
Joined: October 21st, 2015, 9:07 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Yoda

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by ThamiorTheThinker »

YIOSTHEOY wrote:
ThamiorTheThinker wrote: (Nested quote removed.)


Okay, that response does NOT belong on this forum. In fact, I should report this. 1) This is a very biased response that has no support for any of its claims. 2) You ignored the fact that I learned something valuable from playing System Shock 2 (hence why I wrote an article about it). 3) Stay on topic: don't diverge and go into your personal opinions about whether or not games are a waste of time. 4) According to my beliefs, the "real world" doesn't exist - it's a convoluted web of sweet lullabies we sing to ourselves that makes us believe our lives have meaning and value. When you're a nihilist, games and societies have the same meaning and purpose - to entertain.
Wow!! That was actually a very good philosophical response which I was not expecting.

The gamer industry does indeed substitute an online quasi reality for the real thing.

But if you yourself believe that the real world does not exist, that is a valid philosophical argument from ancient and even modern "skepticism" which is indeed a branch of philosophy.

That I did not get this the first time I read though your original post is because your post is so long an you take a long time to make your point, although the executive summary you have just given is very good.

Thank you for the explanation. I always wondered why gamers were so comfortable with dismissing reality but your explanation has given me further insight into this phenomenon.

I actually interviewed recently with a gamer company to see if they wanted me to handle their business finances. They have lots of members that compete with each other for real cash. In that sense it is no different from a gambling casino.

A friend of mine who is an I/T director currently found a gaming platform on the Internet for himself and he is now enthralled with it. He hardly answers emails anymore, and when he does all he can talk about is the video games.

There are dangers. Please beware there are dangers.
May I ask if your original post was earnest or not? Was it a test of my response?
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7914
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: The Philosophical Implications Of A Bygone Video Game

Post by LuckyR »

YIOSTHEOY wrote:The philosophical implications of ANY video game are that (1) you give someone your money to buy/license it, (2) you play it, (3) you waste your time, (4) you don't accomplish anything in the real world here on Earth, (5) you are amused, (6) it passes the time of day for you if you have time on your hands, and (6) other than wasting precious time it is a cheap thrill that cannot get you venereal disease or AIDS.

The fact (reality) that you gave money for it and did not get any money back in return makes it a bad investment. But if you are in dire need of amusement then supposedly you got your money's worth.
No argument from except what are your thoughts on music, movies, books and art?
"As usual... it depends."
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophy of the Arts and Philosophy in the Arts”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021