ABSTRACT
Philosophical Perspectives on Play builds on the disciplinary and paradigmatic bridges constructed between the study of philosophy and play in The Philosophy of Play (Routledge, 2013) to develop a richer understanding of the concept and nature of play and its relation to human life and value. Made up of contributions from leading international thinkers and inviting readers to explore the presumptions often attached to play and playfulness, the book considers ways that play in ‘virtual’ and ‘real’ worlds can inform understandings of each, critiquing established norms and encouraging scepticism about the practice and experience of play.
Organised around four central themes -- play(ing) at the limits, aesthetics, metaphysics/ontology and ethics -- the book extends and challenges notions of play by drawing on issues emerging in sport, gaming, literature, space and art, with specific attention paid to disruption and danger. It is intended to provide scholars and practitioners working in the spheres of play, education, games, sport and related subjects with a deeper understanding of philosophical thought and to open dialogue across these disciplines.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|58 pages
Playing at the limits
part II|52 pages
Play, aesthetics and performance
chapter 6|11 pages
Lessons in playing
chapter 7|12 pages
Oasis of happiness – the play of the world and human existence
part III|56 pages
Metaphysics and ontology
chapter 9|13 pages
Homo ludens in the twenty-first century
chapter 11|14 pages
Weltentzug und Weltzerfall (world-withdrawal and world-decay)
part IV|41 pages
Ethics of work in play and play in work