Play Principles in Economics

Abstract

This article reflects the role of play elements (and especially competitive, agonal principle) in culture (J. Huizinga, R. Caillois, E. Fink), particularly in the sphere of economy. Basic characteristics of the play element as a culture-building phenomenon are summarized here. The author points at play elements, as they are explicitly reflected by the theory of economics, focusing on the classical theory of Adam Smith, neoclassical concept of Homo Oeconomicus, theory of games and economic behavior, institutional theories, as well as the public-choice theory.