Author: Steven J. Brams
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262038331
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
A game-theoretical analysis of interactions between a human being and an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being highlights the inherent unknowability of the latter's superiority. In Divine Games, Steven Brams analyzes games that a human being might play with an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being. Drawing on game theory and his own theory of moves, Brams combines the analysis of thorny theological questions, suggested by Pascal's wager (which considers the rewards and penalties associated with belief or nonbelief in God) and Newcomb's problem (in which a godlike being has near omniscience) with the analysis of several stories from the Hebrew Bible. Almost all of these stories involve conflict between God or a surrogate and a human player; their representation as games raises fundamental questions about God's superiority. In some games God appears vulnerable (after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit in defiance of His command), in other games his actions seem morally dubious (when He subjects Abraham and Job to extreme tests of their faith), and in still other games He has a propensity to hold grudges (in preventing Moses from entering the Promised Land and in undermining the kingship of Saul). If the behavior of a superior being is indistinguishable from that of an ordinary human being, his existence would appear undecidable, or inherently unknowable. Consequently, Brams argues that keeping an open mind about the existence of a superior being is an appropriate theological stance.
Divine Games
Author: Steven J. Brams
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262038331
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
A game-theoretical analysis of interactions between a human being and an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being highlights the inherent unknowability of the latter's superiority. In Divine Games, Steven Brams analyzes games that a human being might play with an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being. Drawing on game theory and his own theory of moves, Brams combines the analysis of thorny theological questions, suggested by Pascal's wager (which considers the rewards and penalties associated with belief or nonbelief in God) and Newcomb's problem (in which a godlike being has near omniscience) with the analysis of several stories from the Hebrew Bible. Almost all of these stories involve conflict between God or a surrogate and a human player; their representation as games raises fundamental questions about God's superiority. In some games God appears vulnerable (after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit in defiance of His command), in other games his actions seem morally dubious (when He subjects Abraham and Job to extreme tests of their faith), and in still other games He has a propensity to hold grudges (in preventing Moses from entering the Promised Land and in undermining the kingship of Saul). If the behavior of a superior being is indistinguishable from that of an ordinary human being, his existence would appear undecidable, or inherently unknowable. Consequently, Brams argues that keeping an open mind about the existence of a superior being is an appropriate theological stance.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262038331
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 220
Book Description
A game-theoretical analysis of interactions between a human being and an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being highlights the inherent unknowability of the latter's superiority. In Divine Games, Steven Brams analyzes games that a human being might play with an omnipotent and omniscient godlike being. Drawing on game theory and his own theory of moves, Brams combines the analysis of thorny theological questions, suggested by Pascal's wager (which considers the rewards and penalties associated with belief or nonbelief in God) and Newcomb's problem (in which a godlike being has near omniscience) with the analysis of several stories from the Hebrew Bible. Almost all of these stories involve conflict between God or a surrogate and a human player; their representation as games raises fundamental questions about God's superiority. In some games God appears vulnerable (after Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit in defiance of His command), in other games his actions seem morally dubious (when He subjects Abraham and Job to extreme tests of their faith), and in still other games He has a propensity to hold grudges (in preventing Moses from entering the Promised Land and in undermining the kingship of Saul). If the behavior of a superior being is indistinguishable from that of an ordinary human being, his existence would appear undecidable, or inherently unknowable. Consequently, Brams argues that keeping an open mind about the existence of a superior being is an appropriate theological stance.
Gaming and the Divine
Author: Frank G. Bosman
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429018681
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
This book formulates a new theological approach to the study of religion in gaming. Video games have become one of the most important cultural artifacts of modern society, both as mediators of cultural, social, and religious values and in terms of commercial success. This has led to a significant increase in the critical analysis of this relatively new medium, but theology as an academic discipline is noticeably behind the other humanities on this subject. The book first covers the fundamentals of cultural theology and video games. It then moves on to set out a Christian systematic theology of gaming, focusing on creational theology, Christology, anthropology, evil, moral theology, and thanatology. Each chapter introduces case studies from video games connected to the specific theme. In contrast to many studies which focus on online multiplayer games, the examples considered are largely single player games with distinct narratives and ‘end of game’ moments. The book concludes by synthesizing these themes into a new theology of video games. This study addresses a significant aspect of contemporary society that has yet to be discussed in any depth by theologians. It is, therefore, a fantastic resource for any scholar engaging with the religious aspects of digital and popular culture.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 0429018681
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 229
Book Description
This book formulates a new theological approach to the study of religion in gaming. Video games have become one of the most important cultural artifacts of modern society, both as mediators of cultural, social, and religious values and in terms of commercial success. This has led to a significant increase in the critical analysis of this relatively new medium, but theology as an academic discipline is noticeably behind the other humanities on this subject. The book first covers the fundamentals of cultural theology and video games. It then moves on to set out a Christian systematic theology of gaming, focusing on creational theology, Christology, anthropology, evil, moral theology, and thanatology. Each chapter introduces case studies from video games connected to the specific theme. In contrast to many studies which focus on online multiplayer games, the examples considered are largely single player games with distinct narratives and ‘end of game’ moments. The book concludes by synthesizing these themes into a new theology of video games. This study addresses a significant aspect of contemporary society that has yet to be discussed in any depth by theologians. It is, therefore, a fantastic resource for any scholar engaging with the religious aspects of digital and popular culture.
Halo: Divine Wind
Author: Troy Denning
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982174919
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
An original novel set in the Halo universe—based on the New York Times bestselling video game series! October 2559. With the galaxy in the suffocating grip of a renegade artificial intelligence, another perilous threat has quietly emerged in the shadows: the Keepers of the One Freedom, a fanatical and merciless Covenant splinter group, has made its way beyond the borders of the galaxy to an ancient Forerunner installation known as the Ark. Led by an infamous Brute named Castor, the Keepers intend to achieve what the Covenant, in all its might, failed to: activate Halo and take the last steps on the path of the Great Journey into transcendence. But unknown to Castor and his new, unexpected ally on the Ark, there are traitors to the cause in their midst—namely the Ferrets, composed of Office of Naval Intelligence operative Veta Lopis and her young team of Spartan-IIIs, who have been infiltrating the Keepers to lay the groundwork for Castor’s assassination. But with ONI’s field operations now splintered and cut off by the Guardian threat, Veta’s original mission has suddenly and dramatically escalated in scope. There’s simply no choice or fallback plan—either the Ferrets somehow stop the Keepers or the galaxy faces an extinction-level event….
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1982174919
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
An original novel set in the Halo universe—based on the New York Times bestselling video game series! October 2559. With the galaxy in the suffocating grip of a renegade artificial intelligence, another perilous threat has quietly emerged in the shadows: the Keepers of the One Freedom, a fanatical and merciless Covenant splinter group, has made its way beyond the borders of the galaxy to an ancient Forerunner installation known as the Ark. Led by an infamous Brute named Castor, the Keepers intend to achieve what the Covenant, in all its might, failed to: activate Halo and take the last steps on the path of the Great Journey into transcendence. But unknown to Castor and his new, unexpected ally on the Ark, there are traitors to the cause in their midst—namely the Ferrets, composed of Office of Naval Intelligence operative Veta Lopis and her young team of Spartan-IIIs, who have been infiltrating the Keepers to lay the groundwork for Castor’s assassination. But with ONI’s field operations now splintered and cut off by the Guardian threat, Veta’s original mission has suddenly and dramatically escalated in scope. There’s simply no choice or fallback plan—either the Ferrets somehow stop the Keepers or the galaxy faces an extinction-level event….
The Divine
Author: Niall G. F. Christie
Publisher: Atlas Games
ISBN: 9781589780750
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
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Publisher: Atlas Games
ISBN: 9781589780750
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
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Soul Stepping
Author: Ann Trump
Publisher: Schiffer + ORM
ISBN: 1507301391
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
Imagine you could easily walk away from all your problems. What if you could go outside, take a hike around your neighborhood, and come back knowing exactly what to do? The simple act of walking can take you down the road to self-empowerment. Soul stepping is spiritual walking with purpose and intention and acts as a bridge between your physical body, your mind, and your spirit, leading to spiritual and emotional freedom. The secret is turning the walk into a game. Ten fun-and-easy games will deepen your relationship with your soul, help you connect with nature, improve your daily interactions with others, solve personal problems, sharpen your intuition, and invite synchronicity. Read stories enriching the games and practice suggestions for living a more soulful life. Rhymes and affirmations will allow you to recognize the wonders that occur at games’ end. You are about to embark on a walking soul journey!
Publisher: Schiffer + ORM
ISBN: 1507301391
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
Imagine you could easily walk away from all your problems. What if you could go outside, take a hike around your neighborhood, and come back knowing exactly what to do? The simple act of walking can take you down the road to self-empowerment. Soul stepping is spiritual walking with purpose and intention and acts as a bridge between your physical body, your mind, and your spirit, leading to spiritual and emotional freedom. The secret is turning the walk into a game. Ten fun-and-easy games will deepen your relationship with your soul, help you connect with nature, improve your daily interactions with others, solve personal problems, sharpen your intuition, and invite synchronicity. Read stories enriching the games and practice suggestions for living a more soulful life. Rhymes and affirmations will allow you to recognize the wonders that occur at games’ end. You are about to embark on a walking soul journey!
Seven Games: A Human History
Author: Oliver Roeder
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 1324003782
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 326
Book Description
A group biography of seven enduring and beloved games, and the story of why—and how—we play them. Checkers, backgammon, chess, and Go. Poker, Scrabble, and bridge. These seven games, ancient and modern, fascinate millions of people worldwide. In Seven Games, Oliver Roeder charts their origins and historical importance, the delightful arcana of their rules, and the ways their design makes them pleasurable. Roeder introduces thrilling competitors, such as evangelical minister Marion Tinsley, who across forty years lost only three games of checkers; Shusai, the Master, the last Go champion of imperial Japan, defending tradition against “modern rationalism”; and an IBM engineer who created a backgammon program so capable at self-learning that NASA used it on the space shuttle. He delves into the history and lore of each game: backgammon boards in ancient Egypt, the Indian origins of chess, how certain shells from a particular beach in Japan make the finest white Go stones. Beyond the cultural and personal stories, Roeder explores why games, seemingly trivial pastimes, speak so deeply to the human soul. He introduces an early philosopher of games, the aptly named Bernard Suits, and visits an Oxford cosmologist who has perfected a computer that can effectively play bridge, a game as complicated as human language itself. Throughout, Roeder tells the compelling story of how humans, pursuing scientific glory and competitive advantage, have invented AI programs better than any human player, and what that means for the games—and for us. Funny, fascinating, and profound, Seven Games is a story of obsession, psychology, history, and how play makes us human.
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 1324003782
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 326
Book Description
A group biography of seven enduring and beloved games, and the story of why—and how—we play them. Checkers, backgammon, chess, and Go. Poker, Scrabble, and bridge. These seven games, ancient and modern, fascinate millions of people worldwide. In Seven Games, Oliver Roeder charts their origins and historical importance, the delightful arcana of their rules, and the ways their design makes them pleasurable. Roeder introduces thrilling competitors, such as evangelical minister Marion Tinsley, who across forty years lost only three games of checkers; Shusai, the Master, the last Go champion of imperial Japan, defending tradition against “modern rationalism”; and an IBM engineer who created a backgammon program so capable at self-learning that NASA used it on the space shuttle. He delves into the history and lore of each game: backgammon boards in ancient Egypt, the Indian origins of chess, how certain shells from a particular beach in Japan make the finest white Go stones. Beyond the cultural and personal stories, Roeder explores why games, seemingly trivial pastimes, speak so deeply to the human soul. He introduces an early philosopher of games, the aptly named Bernard Suits, and visits an Oxford cosmologist who has perfected a computer that can effectively play bridge, a game as complicated as human language itself. Throughout, Roeder tells the compelling story of how humans, pursuing scientific glory and competitive advantage, have invented AI programs better than any human player, and what that means for the games—and for us. Funny, fascinating, and profound, Seven Games is a story of obsession, psychology, history, and how play makes us human.
Monster Parties and Games
Author: Chris Kullstroem
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 0786453818
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 219
Book Description
The first of its kind, this book brings together a collection of 15 do-it-yourself parties and games designed to allow monster movie fanatics to step inside some of their favorite horror, science fiction, and dark comedy films. Each game is themed after a specific monster film from the classics to those of modern day. With card games, murder mysteries, haunted house games, and detective quests included, there is enough variety to suit any monstrous mood. Each game can be played by all ages with supplies ranging from simple index cards to fake blood and body parts. The book includes full instructions for making each game, along with rule pages, game play guides, spell books, lab books, and more.
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 0786453818
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 219
Book Description
The first of its kind, this book brings together a collection of 15 do-it-yourself parties and games designed to allow monster movie fanatics to step inside some of their favorite horror, science fiction, and dark comedy films. Each game is themed after a specific monster film from the classics to those of modern day. With card games, murder mysteries, haunted house games, and detective quests included, there is enough variety to suit any monstrous mood. Each game can be played by all ages with supplies ranging from simple index cards to fake blood and body parts. The book includes full instructions for making each game, along with rule pages, game play guides, spell books, lab books, and more.
Games of Divinity
Author: White Wolf Games Studio
Publisher: White Wolf Publishing
ISBN: 9781588466594
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Publisher: White Wolf Publishing
ISBN: 9781588466594
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The Infinite and The Divine
Author: Robert Rath
Publisher: Games Workshop
ISBN: 9781789998320
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 368
Book Description
Explore a story told across the millennia that delves deep into a pair of fascinating necron characters, their relationship and their plans for the galaxy. Before the being called the Emperor revealed Himself, before the rise of the aeldari, before the necrontyr traded their flesh for immortal metal, the world was born in violence.Even when they inhabited bodies of flesh, Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner were polar opposites. Trazyn, a collector of historical oddities, presides over a gallery full of the most dangerous artefacts – and people – of the galactic past. Orikan, a chronomancer without peer, draws zodiacs that predict and manipulate the future. But when an artefact emerges that may hold the key to the necrons’ next evolution, these two obsessives enter a multi-millennia game of cat and mouse that ends civilisations, reshapes timelines, and changes both forever. As riddles unwind and ancient secrets are revealed, the question remains: will their feud save the necron race or destroy it?
Publisher: Games Workshop
ISBN: 9781789998320
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 368
Book Description
Explore a story told across the millennia that delves deep into a pair of fascinating necron characters, their relationship and their plans for the galaxy. Before the being called the Emperor revealed Himself, before the rise of the aeldari, before the necrontyr traded their flesh for immortal metal, the world was born in violence.Even when they inhabited bodies of flesh, Trazyn the Infinite and Orikan the Diviner were polar opposites. Trazyn, a collector of historical oddities, presides over a gallery full of the most dangerous artefacts – and people – of the galactic past. Orikan, a chronomancer without peer, draws zodiacs that predict and manipulate the future. But when an artefact emerges that may hold the key to the necrons’ next evolution, these two obsessives enter a multi-millennia game of cat and mouse that ends civilisations, reshapes timelines, and changes both forever. As riddles unwind and ancient secrets are revealed, the question remains: will their feud save the necron race or destroy it?
Sacred Games
Author: Bernhard Lang
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300172263
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
Professor Bernhard Lang argues that the meaning of Christian ritual is embodied in six elementary forms, all of which have their roots in ancient, pre-Christian ritual. Well illustrated, written in a readable style, and geared to the general reader as well as to students and scholars, this pioneering work should become an indispensable addition to the broader study of Christianity. 50 illustrations.
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300172263
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
Professor Bernhard Lang argues that the meaning of Christian ritual is embodied in six elementary forms, all of which have their roots in ancient, pre-Christian ritual. Well illustrated, written in a readable style, and geared to the general reader as well as to students and scholars, this pioneering work should become an indispensable addition to the broader study of Christianity. 50 illustrations.