The concept of play in Eugen Fink's "Oasis of Happiness"

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0383.2024v45n2p171

Keywords:

Play, Eugen Fink, Mediality, World

Abstract

The objective of this article is to elucidate the concept of play as presented by Eugen Fink in his text "Oasis of Happiness: Thoughts on an Ontology of Play" (1957). Fink proposes an ontological investigation of play, considering it a universal phenomenon that transcends merely being a pastime or recreational activity. He identifies three essential stages for understanding play: preliminary characterization, structural analysis, and the connection between play and being. The methodology used for this research was qualitative and descriptive, focusing on a detailed analysis of the concept of "Play" proposed by Fink in "Oasis of Happiness," as well as engaging in dialogue with commentators. The article concludes that play is not a marginal or contingent phenomenon in human life but rather an essential aspect of existence, interconnected with other fundamental phenomena such as death, work, struggle, and love. Play is, therefore, a primordial phenomenon that allows humans to experience a form of eternity and find a refuge from the exhausting and constant pursuit of eudaimonia, providing an experience of meaning and creativity in the present reality. In short, Fink elevates play to a profound ontological dimension, recognizing it as a vital component of the human condition.

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Author Biographies

Manoel Cardeal da Costa Neto, Londrina State University

Graduated in Philosophy and majoring in Journalism at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná,

Thauan Soares, Londrina State University

PhD student in Philosophy at the Postgraduate Program in Philosophy at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná

References

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

COSTA NETO, Manoel Cardeal da; SOARES, Thauan. The concept of play in Eugen Fink’s "Oasis of Happiness". Semina: Ciências Sociais e Humanas, [S. l.], v. 45, n. 2, p. 171–182, 2024. DOI: 10.5433/1679-0383.2024v45n2p171. Disponível em: https://ojs.uel.br/revistas/uel/index.php/seminasoc/article/view/50812. Acesso em: 14 dec. 2025.