António Cabral’s Play and (Folk) Games Theory
From the Douro Valley to Global Dialogue
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 17830574 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Pedro Antunes (0000-0002-3603-0127), Paulo Antunes (0000-0001-9129-3539, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | S1 |
| Pages | 413-433 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-30 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Human Arenas (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2522-5790 • E-ISSN: 2522-5804 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s42087-026-00592-4 |
| OpenAlex | W7160059755 |
| Language | ES |
| References cited | 21 |
This paper introduces and critically examines the contributions of Portuguese philosopher António Cabral to the philosophy of play and games (and sport), situating his work within the broader context of global ludic theory. Born in Portugal’s Douro region, Cabral—poet, ethnographer, and ludic activist—developed a ‘play impulse’ theory, framing play as a motivational drive toward pleasure through repetition, transcending work/play dichotomies. Analyzing his trilogy ( Teoria do Jogo , 1990; O Jogo no Ensino , 2001; and O Mundo Fascinante do Jogo , 2002), we highlight his synthesis of Huizinga’s play-spirit, Caillois’ games theory, Fichtean idealism, and ethnoludology, among others, particularly his defense of traditional Portuguese games. Identifying a distinctive constellation of commitments—motivational foundationalism, holistic structuralism, and externalist genealogy with internalist integrity—we argue that Cabral’s work resists easy classification within the internalism/externalism debate, instead articulating a syncretic framework whose tensions are as revealing as its insights. Though Cabral’s metaphysical leanings and play/games conflation invite critique, his reinterpretation challenges dominant sport philosophy models without outright rejection. In sum, this study brings Cabral’s thought to international attention, establishing a dialogue between Portuguese intellectual traditions and broader philosophies of play and games (and sport).
Agency (philosophy) · Context (archaeology) · Field (mathematics) · Government (linguistics) · Work (physics) · Corporeality, Perception, and Education · Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education · Physical education and sports games research
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |