Philosophy of Games
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 156
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$119.99 USD
This interdisciplinary eTextbook examines the philosophy of games, play, and interactive media, guiding students through key concepts such as agency, identity, worldbuilding, race, queerness, and immersion. Drawing on foundational thinkers like Huizinga, Caillois, Sutton-Smith, and Nguyen, the course blends theory with application through readings, discussions, and analytical writing. Students engage deeply with philosophical and cultural issues in gaming while developing a final research essay that connects critical themes to personal and real-world gaming experiences.
Module 1: Play
Module 2: Games
Module 3: Culture
Module 4: Aesthetics
Module 5: Identity
Module 6: Race and Nationality
Module 7: Gender and Sexuality
Module 8: Worldbuilding
Module 9: Immersion
Module 10: Transformation
Albert R. Spencer is a Teaching Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Portland State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2007. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, he specializes in American Pragmatism, Ethics, and the Philosophy of Games, integrating innovative pedagogy and digital learning into his teaching. He also serves as an Online Instructor at Portland Community College, designing and delivering courses in ethics, critical thinking, and the history of philosophy.
Dr. Spencer is the author of multiple textbooks published by Kendall Hunt, including The Philosophy of War (2022), The Philosophy of Sex & Love (2021), and The Philosophy of Sports (2020). His forthcoming books, The Philosophy of Games (2025) and The Philosophy of Role-Playing Games: Art, Inquiry, & Ritual (Bloomsbury, 2025), reflect his deep engagement with game studies and the philosophical dimensions of interactive storytelling. He is also the author of American Pragmatism: An Introduction (Polity Press, 2020).
His research explores the intersections of philosophy, ethics, and gaming culture, with a particular focus on role-playing games as vehicles for philosophical inquiry and ethical reflection. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, including forthcoming articles on Indigenous strategies in RPGs, care ethics in gaming, and William James & Swami Vivekananda’s philosophical convergence.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Spencer is an experienced course designer and instructional technologist, adept at leveraging AI applications, learning management systems, and video conferencing tools to enhance student engagement. He has designed and taught courses on American Philosophy, Environmental Ethics, Military Ethics, and Latinx Philosophy, among others.
Dr. Spencer holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy from Baylor University and a B.A. in English & Philosophy from Georgetown College.
For more information, visit the following links:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albert-spencer-75729120/
PhilPapers: philpeople.org/profiles/albert-spencer
Faculty Page: Portland State University Profile.
PSU Art & Social Practice (Interview): psusocialpractice.org/role-playing-for-life/
“Who Am I? What Do I Believe? And Why Do I Believe It?” (KH Publisher, Co.): youtube.com/watch?v=GV6wGMq3oBg
“Dungeons & Dragons & Philosophy, Part 1” (Anarres Project): youtube.com/watch?v=Nml0Wh_6F3s&t=5s
“Dungeons & Dragons & Philosophy, Part 2” (Anarres Project): youtube.com/watch?v=vdN0Uoj3KE8&t=2s