Title
The Ambiguity Of Play
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
Every Child Knows What It Means To Play, But The Rest Of Us Can Merely Speculate. Is It A Kind Of Adaptation, Teaching Us Skills, Inducting Us Into Certain Communities? Is It Power, Pursued In Games Of Prowess? Fate, Deployed In Games Of Chance? Daydreaming, Enacted In Art? Or Is It Just Frivolity? Brian Suttonsmith, A Leading Proponent Of Play Theory, Considers Each Possibility As It Has Been Proposed, Elaborated, And Debated In Disciplines From Biology, Psychology, And Education To Metaphysics, Mathematics, And Sociology.Suttonsmith Focuses On Play Theories Rooted In Seven Distinct Rhetoricsthe Ancient Discourses Of Fate, Power, Communal Identity, And Frivolity And The Modern Discourses Of Progress, The Imaginary, And The Self. In A Sweeping Analysis That Moves From The Question Of Play In Child Development To The Implications Of Play For The Western Work Ethic, He Explores The Values, Historical Sources, And Interests That Have Dictated The Terms And Forms Of Play Put Forth In Each Discourses Objective Theory.This Work Reveals More Distinctions And Disjunctions Than Affinities, With One Striking Exception: However Different Their Descriptions And Interpretations Of Play, Each Rhetoric Reveals A Quirkiness, Redundancy, And Flexibility. In Light Of This, Suttonsmith Suggests That Play Might Provide A Model Of The Variability That Allows For Natural Selection. As A Form Of Mental Feedback, Play Might Nullify The Rigidity That Sets In After Successful Adaption, Thus Reinforcing Animal And Human Variability. Further, He Shows How These Discourses, Despite Their Differences, Might Offer The Components For A New Social Science Of Play.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of 'The Ambiguity of Play'? A: This book contains two hundred eighty-eight pages. It offers a comprehensive examination of play theory across various disciplines.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and flexible for easy reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'The Ambiguity of Play'? A: The dimensions are five point ninety-eight inches in length, zero point seventy-five inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These measurements make it a convenient size for bookshelves.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Brian Sutton-Smith. He is a renowned figure in play theory and developmental psychology.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Ambiguity of Play'? A: The main theme revolves around the complexities and interpretations of play. It discusses how play influences human development and societal norms.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It addresses play theory in various fields including psychology, education, and sociology.
- Q: How does Sutton-Smith define play in this book? A: Sutton-Smith defines play through seven distinct 'rhetorics'. These include Fate, Power, Communal Identity, and Frivolity among others.
- Q: Does this book provide a historical perspective on play? A: Yes, it provides a historical perspective on play. Sutton-Smith explores how historical contexts shape the understanding and value of play.
- Q: What disciplines does 'The Ambiguity of Play' draw from? A: The book draws from disciplines like biology, psychology, education, metaphysics, mathematics, and sociology. This multidisciplinary approach enriches the analysis.
- Q: Are there any specific theories discussed in the book? A: Yes, several play theories are discussed. Sutton-Smith analyzes how different discourses influence the understanding of play.
- Q: What insights does the book offer about child development? A: The book discusses how play affects child development. It highlights the skills and socialization processes that play fosters in children.
- Q: Is 'The Ambiguity of Play' a good resource for educators? A: Yes, it is a valuable resource for educators. It provides insights into the role of play in learning and development.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The publisher is Harvard University Press. This reputable publisher is known for its academic works.
- Q: Does this book explore the relationship between play and work ethic? A: Yes, it explores the implications of play for the Western work ethic. Sutton-Smith analyzes how play can influence productivity and creativity.
- Q: Can this book help parents understand play better? A: Yes, it can help parents understand the significance of play. The insights can aid in fostering a supportive play environment for children.