Why computer games can be essential for human flourishing
| Pages | 81-91 |
| Date | 17 May 2013 |
| Published date | 17 May 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-01-2013-0001 |
| Author | Barbro Fröding,Martin Peterson |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Why computer games can be
essential for human flourishing
Barbro Fro
¨ding
Division of Philosophy, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH),
Stockholm, Sweden, and
Martin Peterson
Section for Philosophy and Ethics, Eindhoven University of Technology,
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that playing computer games for lengthy periods of
time, even in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain other activities normally seen as more
important, can be an integral part of human flourishing.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors’ claim is based on a modern reading of Aristotle’s
Nichomacean Ethics. It should be emphasized that the authors do not argue that computer gaming and
other similar online activities are central to all people under all circumstances; but only seek to show
that the claim holds true for some people under some circumstances and the authors try to spell out the
relevant circumstances in detail.
Findings – The authors provide a list of situations in which playing computer games for lengthy
periods of time, in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain other activities normally seen as
more important, is an integral part of human flourishing.
Originality/value – The paper puts some novel pressure on the widely-held belief that playing
computer games for lengthy periods of time, in a manner that will force the player to forgo certain
other activities normally seen as more important. The paper claims that playing some computer games
and partaking in some forms of online activities could be highly conducive to what it actually means in
practice to take care of oneself and, to paraphrase Aristotle, to be eager for fine actions.
Keywords Computergames, Internet,Gaming, Ethics,Moral philosophy,Virtues, Wellbeing,Happiness,
Aristotle
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Traditionally, playing computer games and engaging in other online activities has been
seen as a threat to well-being, health and long-term happiness. It is feared that spending
many hours per day in front of the screen leads the individual to forsake other, more
worthwhile activities, such as human interaction and the up-keeping of good habits with
regards to physical exercise, sleeping and eating. Indeed, the computer game industry
has been accused of causing everything from anti-social behavior to obesity in the young
as well as in adults (De Decker et al., 2012; Sicart, 2009; Spence, 2012).
This article challenges the standard view and seeks to show that some computer
games and online activities might in fact be conducive to a good life. The aim is to
discuss what role computer games could play when it comes to learning and instilling
various capacities and skills that humans need in order for their lives to go well.
We argue that if people can improve various aspects of themselves (without jeopardizing
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1477-996X.htm
Received 31 January 2013
Revised 4 March 2013
15 March 2013
23 April 2013
Accepted 23 April 2013
Journal of Information,
Communication and Ethics in Society
Vol. 11 No. 2, 2013
pp. 81-91
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/JICES-01-2013-0001
Why computer
games can be
essential
81
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