PLAY AS AN EXISTENTIAL PHENOMENON

Abstract

Numerous phenomena of public and hidden play (fighting for somet- hing or presenting something) are present in all human ages, from the primordial community to the present day. Play, as dealing with imaginary illusion, is part of man’s individual and collective existence. All five existential phenomena: death, love, struggle, work and play, are encompassed by play and expressed through play (E. Fink). Play permeates all significant primordial activities of common human life (speech, myth, cult, etc.). All stimulating forces of social life (from eco- nomics to art) have their roots in the act of playing. Play elevates hu- man existence above the purely biological, vegetative one. It decorates and complements life. This points to its importance for the individual (biological function) and society (expressive power, creation of spiritu- al and social ties, expression of the ideal of living together) (J. Huizin- ga). Impulses and elements of play, which exist in and out of the world of play, determine the existence of different types of plays: competiti- ons, games of chance, disguising and plays of ecstasy. The dominance of some of these types of play in a society reflects the society - its style and values (R. Kajoa). In modern society, elements of play are increa- singly disappearing, and play is increasingly manifesting pathological conditions and tendencies of individuals and groups.