Suits on Games

Abstract

This chapter proposes that Suits be seen as analyzing a concept close to that expressed by the English word “game” but different and more useful, because it’s internally unified—its elements fit together—and explanatory, especially of the value of playing games. It slightly revises his account of the lusory attitude, so it involves accepting a game’s rules for the specific reason that they make it more challenging and difficult; this answers many objections to his analysis but requires adding a social dimension to it. And it slightly restricts his analysis by conceding that it doesn’t fit as many things called “games” as Suits himself thought. This doesn’t, however, detract from the value, beauty, and explanatory power of his analysis.