Play
Axelos uses the concept of "play" both as a metaphysical category (the "system of systems") and as an ethical ideal for an unalienated society. Axelos argues, following Marx, that the opposition between work (necessity) and play (freedom) needs to be abolished, but recognizes that this would be both concrete and metaphysical. He also argues, following Heidegger, that play is the meaning of Being which has been forgotten in the modern world. The metaphysical aspect of play is what links human activity with the activity of the world, and the various systems of human life (magic, myth, religion, poetry, politics, philosophy, science) together and to the world. Thus, play is not at all a childish vocation for Axelos.
Read more about this topic: Kostas Axelos
Famous quotes containing the word play:
“In 1600 the specialization of games and pastimes did not extend beyond infancy; after the age of three or four it decreased and disappeared. From then on the child played the same games as the adult, either with other children or with adults. . . . Conversely, adults used to play games which today only children play.”
—Philippe Ariés (20th century)
“... after being at the top, I don’t think I could play senior tournaments, because you know how good you were. I don’t know if I would enjoy that, being half of what I was.”
—Chris Evert (b. 1954)
“Small natures require despotism to exercise their sinews, as great souls thirst for equality to give play to their heart.”
—Honoré De Balzac (1799–1850)