PHIL 3320 - Aesthetics and Philosophy of Play

The course explores the philosophy of games and play. What is the value of games? Are games an art form? What is it to be playful? What is the role of play in human life? Particular issues addressed may include the role of frustration difficulty in games, what games can communicate, the relationship between play and creativity. The class will be taught in a mixed format, including traditional lecture material, but also exploration through play in class, game design exercises, and playtesting student designs.