FANTASY,FICTION, AND FEELINGS

Abstract: The nature of fantasy has been little discussed, despite its importance in the arts. Its significance is brought out here in relation to the long‐standing debate on the alleged paradox of fiction—that we respond emotionally to characters and events known to be unreal. Examination of the paradox shows it to be ill founded once the nature of fantasy is appreciated. Moreover, a detailed consideration of fantasy shows that it can itself provide a plausible account of our emotional reactions to creative literature, an account that, after a review of some possible objections, is then contrasted with the leading contemporary theories.     

VIRTUAL REALITY,ONTOLOGY, AND VALUE

Abstract: This article raises the question of how the ontological status of virtual objects bears on their intrinsic value. If virtual objects are unreal or less real than physical objects, does it mean that they will have less intrinsic value? If they have intrinsic value, what are the explanations for this value, and how do they relate to the ontological status of the virtual objects? First, the article reviews recent work concerning the ontological status of virtual reality and virtual objects. Second, it argues that in some cases the ontological status of virtual objects does undermine the value placed in them, in that the objects can fail to have the properties that ground the value attributions made to them, while in other cases their ontological status is not important. Finally, the article relates the grounding of value attributions to philosophical theories of value, in particular, perfectionism and hedonism.     

An Interactive Model of Career Decision Making

The decision-making model described in this article highlights the interaction between contextual factors, decision triggers, establishing a perspective (frame) of the problem, reframing, and action planning. The interactive perspective is based on process and change and seems particularly relevant in the current social and economic situation. Career counseling with an interactive decision-making approach requires an acknowledgement of external influences as well as of individual variables.     

THE ROLE OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC POLICY – A PHILOSOPHER IN A BUSINESS SCHOOL

Philosophical Studies -