Abstract

“Play” in biological beings and AI systems, presented as a dissertation at the University of Sussex, critically examines the concept of play in both natural and artificial entities. He differentiates between how biological organisms like humans and animals engage in play, characterized by spontaneity and exploration, versus AI systems, which are more structured and bound by rules when engaging in "games." His study explores the philosophical, psychological, neuroscientific and ethical dimensions of play, looking into how these activities influence learning, behavior, and adaptation in both domains.