Human beings have been playing games for close to 5,000 years. Games are a universal part of the human experience and exist in all cultures. But why are we so drawn to them, and precisely what is a game? Let’s look at the relationship between games and philosophy, and how philosophers through the ages have defined the nature of games and explained their purpose in the human endeavor.
Finite & Infinite Gaming
Philosophy and games are both means of exploring the nature of something. Socrates used a highly interactive method of questions and debate to elicit understanding; today, The Game Thinkshop and the Institute of Play use Socratic Gaming to tease out fundamental philosophical concepts — especially thinking skills — through the playing of games. A game can be both a simulacrum of the real world and a doorway into understanding human interaction. In short: gaming is an art form and a reflection of humanity.
In the social sciences, game theory examines dec is ion-mak ing in scenarios like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, balancing strategies of cooperation versus self-interest. Likewise, in Finite and Infinite Games (1986) James Carse explains a philosophy of life in which all games fit into one of two categories: finite games that are concerned with personal power and winning, and infinite games that are concerned with transcending boundaries and continuing positive play.
This story is from the Spring 2022 edition of Casual Game Insider.
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This story is from the Spring 2022 edition of Casual Game Insider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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