Cyberspace

Introduction

The ISP Glossary defines cyberspace as:

"A metaphor for describing the non-physical terrain created by computer systems. Online systems… create a cyberspace within which people can communicate with one another … do research, or simply window shop. Like physical space, cyberspace contains objects … and different modes of transportation and delivery. Unlike real space, though, exploring cyberspace does not require any physical movement other than pressing keys on a keyboard or moving a mouse. " (ISP Glossary n.d.)

The author William Gibson is generally acknowledged to be the originator of the term "cyberspace" when it was popularised in his science fiction novel Neuromancer (1984) although the idea of a consensual virtual reality similar to the one he describes has been part of philosophical debate since Plato raised the subject in his allegory of the cave in The Republic (360 BC). However the concept of man as a cyborg in this debate has only emerged with the development of computer networks and that 'network of networks' - the Internet - that enables man to expand his 'reality' into the realms of cyberspace.

Three main themes with relation to the cyborg concept are:

• Virtual Worlds where computer systems are used to create a world on the network that enables people to meet and interact in a computer-generated world.
• Virtual Reality which may use immersive and non-immersive techniques so that people can experience a computer-generated reality.
• Virtual Communities which enable people to support and discuss topics of common interest.

Go on to Discussion

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