Play-Games and Learning

- How has learning been discussed in relation to play-games? -

Abstract

The nexus between game-play and learning, as well as adaptation, has been a recurrent theme in scholarly discourses. This relationship is not solely a product of contemporary discourses but can be traced back to antiquity. Beginning with Plato's seminal work, "The Laws," progressing to Grose's theory of preparation, the theory of optimal arousal , theories of motivation, principles of developmental psychology, and the chunking hypothesis, the conceptualization of play-game theory has evolved in tandem with various tenets of cognitive science and psychological learning theories. This paper tries to provide a succinct overview and categorization of salient theories and arguments chronicling the trajectory of this discourse, from its ancient inception to contemporary debates.