This book defends a provocative thesis: that doing philosophy is, in a literal and technical sense, a form of game-playing. Drawing on Bernard Suits' influential definition of game-playing as "the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles," it explores whether philosophical inquiry meets the formal conditions of gameplay.
The book unfolds in four stages. First, it argues that many philosophical activities-such as scholastic disputation, backward reasoning, and the use of conditional arguments-can plausibly be understood as instances of game-playing. Second, it puts forward a stronger claim: that philosophy is, by its very nature, a game.
The author develops a thought experiment involving a Super-Computer capable of settling all philosophical questions, suggesting that philosophers would still choose to reason through problems themselves. Third, it responds to major objections to the idea that philosophy could qualify as a game. Finally, the book explores the axiological implications of this view.
Far from trivializing philosophy, the lusory thesis helps clarify its cognitive and practical value, emphasizing virtues such as creativity, intellectual humility, and open-ended engagement with ideas.
Is Philosophy a Game We Are Playing? is an accessible and thought-provoking work that will appeal to students and researchers interested in the philosophy of games, philosophical methodology, game theory, and the nature of intellectual inquiry itself.
| ISBN: | 9781041282228 |
| Publication date: | 31st December 2026 |
| Author: | |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 88 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Focus on Philosophy |
| Genres: |
Sports Social research and statistics Game theory Digital animation Philosophy Politics and government The Arts |
This book defends a provocative thesis: that doing philosophy is, in a literal and technical sense, a form of game-playing. First, it argues that many philosophical activities-such as scholastic disputation, backward reasoning, and the use of conditional arguments-can plausibly be understood as instances of game-playing.
features in the following genres: Sports, Social research and statistics, Game theory, Digital animation, Philosophy, Politics and government, The Arts
Paperback, Hardback, Book, Board book, Ebook, . £61.19, down from the £67.99 cover price. Not Available.
was written by and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
has 88 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Focus on Philosophy series
£61.19, reduced from £67.99. Not Available.