Nature and significance of play as a cultural phenomenon -- The play-concept as expressed in language -- Play and contest as civilizing functions -- Play and law -- Play and war -- Playing and knowing -- Play and poetry -- The elements of mythopoiesis -- Play-forms in philosophy -- Play-forms in art -- Western civilization Sub Specie Ludi -- The play-element in contemporary civilization.
Summary
Discusses the cultural phenomenon of the human play instincts and play acting in modern western society.
