Kostas Axelos - Play

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.

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