Play and Democracy: Philosophical Perspectives

This book explores the complex and multi-layered relationships between democracy and play, presenting important new theoretical and empirical research. It builds new paradigmatic bridges between philosophical enquiry and fields of application across the arts, political activism, children's play, education, and political science. Play and Democracy addresses four principal themes: conceptualizing the relationship between play and democracy, examining different aspects of play in urban spaces, offering examples and analyses of how playful artistic performances can offer democratic resistance to dominant power, and considering the paradoxes of play in both developing democratic sensibilities and resisting power in education.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate and multifaceted connections between democracy and play, presenting significant new theoretical and empirical research. It establishes innovative paradigmatic bridges between philosophical inquiry and fields of application spanning the arts, political activism, children's play, education, and political science.

Play and Democracy explores four central themes. Firstly, it examines how the relationship between play and democracy can be conceptualized and how it manifests in issues of normativity, ethics, and political power. Secondly, it explores various aspects of play in urban spaces, including activism, aesthetic experiences, happenings, political carnivals, and performances. Thirdly, it offers examples and analyses of how playful artistic performances can offer democratic resistance to dominant power. Lastly, it considers the paradoxes of play in both developing democratic sensibilities and resisting power in education. These themes are explored and interrogated in chapters covering topics such as aesthetic practice, pedagogy, diverse forms of activism, and urban experiences, where play and playfulness become arenas for creating the possibility of democratic practice and change.

By expanding our understanding of the role of play as a political, cultural, and social power, this book captivates scholars and researchers with a deep interest in play, philosophy, politics, sociology, arts, sport, or education. Its comprehensive exploration and analysis provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics between democracy and play, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367641306