Paper Short Abstract:

Play is a fundamental cognitive and social mechanism that fosters learning, creativity, and exploration across species. This presentation explores play’s profound role in shaping knowledge and culture. We are only scratching the surface of what play can do for us.

Paper Abstract:

Play is everywhere. Found across life forms, play is as fundamental as it is misunderstood. Too often dismissed as trivial entertainment or relegated to childhood, play is, at its core, the ability to hold true what is not true. It allows us to explore, adapt, and connect—shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Play is an evolutionary tool. Animals use play to develop vital social skills, sharpen cognitive and physical abilities, and prepare for adulthood. It serves as a vehicle for transmitting knowledge and the emergence of culture. In the human world, play has sparked extraordinary outcomes. A passenger with no flying experience successfully landed a plane after countless hours playing Microsoft Flight Simulator. Gamers have solved complex scientific puzzles that have stumped experts for decades. Research reveals that doll play fosters empathy and social understanding, while games like Tetris can alleviate trauma and prevent PTSD. Play, it turns out, is far more profound than we realise.

As a concept, a tool, and an experience, play can transform how we engage with knowledge, creativity, and culture. It inspires us to collaborate, embrace uncertainty, and uncover meaning in the ordinary. In today’s complex and ever-changing world, we need play more than ever.