@misc{10481/65885,
year = {2020},
month = {11},
url = {http://hdl.handle.net/10481/65885},
abstract = {The history of humankind is full of examples that indicate a constant desire to make
human beings more moral. Nowadays, technological breakthroughs might have a
significant impact on our moral character and abilities. This is the case of Virtual Reality
(VR) technologies. The aim of this paper is to consider the ethical aspects of the use
of VR in enhancing empathy. First, we will offer an introduction to VR, explaining its
fundamental features, devices and concepts. Then, we will approach the characterization
of VR as an “empathy machine,” showing why this medium has aroused so much
interest and why, nevertheless, we do not believe it is the ideal way to enhance empathy.
As an alternative, we will consider fostering empathy-related abilities through virtual
embodiment in avatars. In the conclusion, however, we will examine some of the serious
concerns related to the ethical relevance of empathy and will defend the philosophical
case for a reason-guided empathy, also suggesting specific guidelines for possible future
developments of empathy enhancement projects through VR embodied experiences.},
organization = {Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government 	
FFI2016-79000-P
PID2019-104943RB-I00},
organization = {INPhINIT Retaining Fellowship of the La Caixa Foundation 	
LCF/BQ/DR20/11790005},
publisher = {Frontiers Media SA},
keywords = {Virtual reality},
keywords = {Empathy},
keywords = {Empathy enhancement},
keywords = {Moral enhancement},
keywords = {Moral psychology},
keywords = {Neuroethics},
keywords = {Applied ethics},
keywords = {Virtual embodiment},
title = {Virtual Reality and Empathy Enhancement: Ethical Aspects},
doi = {10.3389/frobt.2020.506984},
author = {Rueda Etxebarria, Jon and Lara Sánchez, Francisco Damián},
}