Can video games truly contribute to our understanding of what constitutes a "good life"?
Are they merely an escapist distraction?
In the philosophical teachings of ancient Greece, Aristotle introduced the concept of eudaimonia, which we might interpret as achieving "the good life." He emphasized that this ideal involves flourishing and reaching one’s fullest potential in life.
This raises an intriguing question: Do video games have the potential to enhance our lives, or are they simply a source of "false pleasure," leading us away from our true selves and what we could become?
To explore these questions, we are joined by two insightful guests.
Dr. Declan Humphreys is a prominent researcher specializing in philosophy and applied ethics, particularly focusing on the ethics of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He teaches at the School of Science, Technology, and Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Additionally, Dr. Humphreys participated in the ABC's Top 5 Humanities media residency program in 2025, further showcasing his commitment to bridging academic knowledge with public discourse.
Shane Liesegang, SJ, is a Jesuit theologian who has a unique background as a former video game designer. Notably, he contributed as a quest designer for the popular game Skyrim while collaborating with major companies like Bethesda Game Studios, Sony, and Electronic Arts. After joining the Jesuit order, he brought his creative talents to the development of the game Starfield, where he was responsible for writing the sacred texts of a fictional religion known as "Sanctum Universum."
Together, these perspectives will shed light on the relationship between video games, happiness, and our spiritual journeys.
For more engaging discussions, don't miss out on our show, Soul Search!
Credits:
* Rohan Salmond, Presenter
* Hong Jiang, Producer
* Matthew Sigley, Sound Engineer
Image Details:
(Image: Getty / Dimensions)
As we ponder the significance of gaming in our lives, we invite you to reflect: Can video games actually play a role in our pursuit of happiness, or are they just a fleeting escape? What do you think?
