From virtual reality to network society: conceptual analysis of meanings in the context of historical and philosophical thought

Summed up are results of researches in virtual reality as to historical and philosophical aspects. Traced are origins of the meaning. Also shown up are approaches to determination of the meaning, as to middle-aged, classical, non-classical and post-neclassical philosophy. Finally, outlined are basic spheres of modern researches as to virtual reality.
Key words: virtual reality, society, culture, historical and philosophical conceptual analysis.