The Philosophy of Play As Life

Acknowledging that play is central to our social lives, this is the third in a series of volumes that aims to build paradigmatic bridges between scholars of philosophy and scholars of play. It spans a range of philosophical areas of enquiry (metaphysics, aesthetics and ethics) and fields of application (games, sport and children’s play), covering topics such as the philosophical history of play, art as play, and play and the internet. With contributions from established and emerging scholars from around the world, it will be of interest to anyone working in philosophy, leisure studies, design studies, aesthetics, gaming studies, childhood studies or playwork.

Wendy Russell currently works as a Senior Lecturer in Play and Playwork at the University of Gloucestershire, UK, and as a consultant on children’s play and playwork. She has worked in the playwork sector in the UK for over 40 years, first as a playworker on adventure playgrounds in London, then in a number of roles including development work, research, and education and training. Her freelance work has included designing and delivering training courses from entry to degree level, and working on a range of development, strategic, evaluation and research projects for local authorities, the private sector and local and national voluntary organisations.

Emily Ryall is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Gloucestershire, UK, and has published works predominantly in the philosophy of sport. She is former Chair of the British Philosophy of Sport Association as well as a member of the executive committee for the International Association for the Philosophy of Sport. She also sits on the editorial panel for the Journal for the Philosophy of Sport, and regularly provides editorial assistance to other sports related journals.

Malcolm MacLean is Reader in the Culture and History of Sport in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Associate Dean Quality and Standards in Academic Registry at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. His research focusses on the cultural and social experience and identities associated with sport and exercise, with a specific interest in sport as a cultural industry and practice. He is Immediate Past Chair of the British Society for Sports History and is a Council Member for the International Society for the History of Physical Education and Sport. He is a member of the editorial boards of Sport in History﹐ The Journal of Sport History﹐ The International Journal of the History of Sport and Journal of New Zealand & Pacific Studies.