Utopia, “Game-Playing,” and Formalism: Reassessing Bernard Suits’s Philosophical Legacy

ABSTRACT

This article critically examines Bernard Suits’s conception of Utopia, situating it within the broader landscape of utopian thought. Suits posits “game-playing” as the central activity in an ideal society, with both Utopia and gameplay resting upon a formalist axis. While his definition of “game-playing” has been influential, there exists a gap in the literature concerning its application to utopian frameworks. This study addresses this gap by analysing Suits’s thesis that “game-playing” constitutes the essence of Utopian existence. The author scrutinizes the coherence of Suits’s arguments and their alignment with traditional utopian paradigms. The findings suggest that, although Suits’s emphasis on “game-playing” offers a unique perspective, its formalist underpinnings may limit its applicability to diverse societal contexts. Consequently, transcending a strict formalist-internalist framework could enhance the inclusivity and practicality of Suits’s Utopian vision, contributing to ongoing discussions on the societal role of play, games and sport and the feasibility of ludic-based utopian models.