Philosophical Perspectives on Play [Paperback]

Philosophical Perspectives on Playbuilds 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.

Introduction  Part 1: Playing at the limits  1. Exile and utopia as Liminal Play: A Cultural-Theoretical Approach (Mihai Spariosu)  2. Playing war  playing with fire; Dark games (Henning Eichberg)  3. Games and evil (Carl Mildenberger)  4. Posthuman nature: Life beyond the playground (Stuart Lester)  Part 2: Play, aesthetics and performance  5. A disavowal of games (Chris Bateman)  6. Lessons in playing: Robert Morris Bodyspacemotionthings2009 as a biopolitical environment (Tim Stott)  7. Oasis of happinelI