The Possibilities and Consequences of Understanding Play as Dialogue

• Published in: Sport, ethics and philosophy ethics and philosophy, 2011-02, Vol.5 (1), p.46-62
• Main Authors: Zimmermann, Ana Cristina, Morgan, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Communication; dialogue; Ethics; expressivity; human movement; Intention; Merleau-Ponty, Maurice (1908-61); Movement; Perspective; Phenomenology; Philosophers; Philosophy; Sports; Sports (philosophy); Sports psychology
• ISSN: 1751-1321; 1751-133X
• DOI: 10.1080/17511321.2010.511250

The intention of this article is to contribute to the understanding of play as a dialogue. This recognises both the human creator potential and the collective character of human existence. The argument is developed through a phenomenological approach based chiefly on Merleau-Ponty's ideas about habit and expressivity, together with a consideration of the relevance of authors such as Huizinga, Gadamer and Buber. According to Merleau-Ponty 'habit' is not repetition, but always presents something new which makes the border between what is acquired and what is created uncertain. The innovatory character of the habit is connected with our expressive potential. In order to go beyond our historicity we need more than we can find in ourselves. We need 'the Other', not necessarily another person, but a question. During play the Other's movements and responses are questions to us. Our corporeality is called upon by the world to represent itself and in order to continue playing we need to be expressive. However, the dialogue carried out through play can create conflicts that cannot be suppressed or avoided. One of the possibilities presented by play is the recognition of our ability to adopt different perspectives and to create new kinds of relationship with the Other.