<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> The article deals with the topic of play as the background for creativity. Methodologically, the study is based on a phenomenological- hermeneutical approach. This means we do not base our questions on predefined terms, but rather aim to search for them. Thus, in pursuit of questioning the phenomenon of creativity, we explore other phenomena - play, education (paideia) and utility (pragma). To picture the relationships between these phenomena we borrow two symbolic figures - Socrates and Pippi Longstocking. Socrates appears here as the symbol of wondering and the antidote to all false sophistication (and thus true education), and Pippi as the exemplar par excellence of free, joyous and thoroughly inutile play. In the article we aim to expose the inutile and creative character of play as its greatest benefit. Our line of questioning follows the traditions of Czech philosophy of education, represented by Jan Patočka.</p></abstract>

The article deals with the topic of play as the background for creativity. Methodologically, the study is based on a phenomenological- hermeneutical approach. This means we do not base our questions on predefined terms, but rather aim to search for them. Thus, in pursuit of questioning the phenomenon of creativity, we explore other phenomena - play, education (paideia) and utility (pragma). To picture the relationships between these phenomena we borrow two symbolic figures - Socrates and Pippi Longstocking. Socrates appears here as the symbol of wondering and the antidote to all false sophistication (and thus true education), and Pippi as the exemplar par excellence of free, joyous and thoroughly inutile play. In the article we aim to expose the inutile and creative character of play as its greatest benefit. Our line of questioning follows the traditions of Czech philosophy of education, represented by Jan Patočka.

On Creativity, Inutility and Play

Creativity. Theories – Research - Applications

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

{"article-title":"On Creativity, Inutility and Play"}

The article deals with the topic of play as the background for creativity. Methodologically, the study is based on a phenomenological- hermeneutical approach....

On Creativity, Inutility and Play

Published Online: Dec 29, 2017

Page range: 353 - 363

Received: Mar 17, 2017

Accepted: Sep 10, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2017-0018

Keywords
Creativity, Paideia, Pragma, Play, Socrates, Pippi Longstocking

© 2018

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

On Creativity, Inutility and Play

Published Online: Dec 29, 2017

Page range: 353 - 363

Received: Mar 17, 2017

Accepted: Sep 10, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2017-0018

KeywordsCreativity, Paideia, Pragma, Play, Socrates, Pippi Longstocking

© 2018

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
Creativity, Paideia, Pragma, Play, Socrates, Pippi Longstocking