State of play. Play and game in 20th century political thought.

Thesis

This dissertation aims to make a contribution to our understanding of the 20th century political theory of play. Particularly in the 20th century, play and game analogies become ever more influential in political theory. I suggest that what unites this ‘turn to play’ is the desire to develop a critique of and also an alternative to traditional models of political authority. In response, this thesis is organised around a comparative reading of four influential accounts of politics as play – which focus on play as a political activity, rather than simply using play as a metaphor for politics. Each account offers important lessons for politics as play activity – and taken together they offer a kaleidoscopic perspective on politics as play. However, in presenting these four accounts, the thesis highlights the importance of Johan Huizinga’s conception of politics as play, as a particular engagement with play that remains neglected by political theorists, yet which nevertheless provides vital insight for our understanding of the challenges of 21st century politics.

Authors: Kaput, R

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Johan Huizinga; Game Theory; Game models; Reconceptualising Politics; 20th Cent Political Thought; Play/Game
• Subjects: Politics as Play; Politics as Game