Scholarlink

<p>This paper introduces and critically examines the contributions of Portuguese philosopher António Cabral to the philosophy of play and games (and sport), situating his work within the broader context of global ludic theory. Born in Portugal’s Douro region, Cabral—poet, ethnographer, and ludic activist—developed a ‘play impulse’ theory, framing play as a motivational drive toward pleasure through repetition, transcending work/play dichotomies. Analyzing his trilogy (<i>Teoria do Jogo</i>, 1990; <i>O Jogo no Ensino</i>, 2001; and <i>O Mundo Fascinante do Jogo</i>, 2002), we highlight his synthesis of Huizinga’s play-spirit, Caillois’ games theory, Fichtean idealism, and ethnoludology, among others, particularly his defense of traditional Portuguese games. Identifying a distinctive constellation of commitments—motivational foundationalism, holistic structuralism, and externalist genealogy with internalist integrity—we argue that Cabral’s work resists easy classification within the internalism/externalism debate, instead articulating a syncretic framework whose tensions are as revealing as its insights. Though Cabral’s metaphysical leanings and play/games conflation invite critique, his reinterpretation challenges dominant sport philosophy models without outright rejection. In sum, this study brings Cabral’s thought to international attention, establishing a dialogue between Portuguese intellectual traditions and broader philosophies of play and games (and sport).</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

António Cabral’s Play and (Folk) Games Theory: From the Douro Valley to Global Dialogue

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月30日

查看全文
  • Paulo Antunes

摘要

This paper introduces and critically examines the contributions of Portuguese philosopher António Cabral to the philosophy of play and games (and sport), situating his work within the broader context of global ludic theory. Born in Portugal’s Douro region, Cabral—poet, ethnographer, and ludic activist—developed a ‘play impulse’ theory, framing play as a motivational drive toward pleasure through repetition, transcending work/play dichotomies. Analyzing his trilogy (Teoria do Jogo, 1990; O Jogo no Ensino, 2001; and O Mundo Fascinante do Jogo, 2002), we highlight his synthesis of Huizinga’s play-spirit, Caillois’ games theory, Fichtean idealism, and ethnoludology, among others, particularly his defense of traditional Portuguese games. Identifying a distinctive constellation of commitments—motivational foundationalism, holistic structuralism, and externalist genealogy with internalist integrity—we argue that Cabral’s work resists easy classification within the internalism/externalism debate, instead articulating a syncretic framework whose tensions are as revealing as its insights. Though Cabral’s metaphysical leanings and play/games conflation invite critique, his reinterpretation challenges dominant sport philosophy models without outright rejection. In sum, this study brings Cabral’s thought to international attention, establishing a dialogue between Portuguese intellectual traditions and broader philosophies of play and games (and sport).