2024 – MA Thesis
Sandberg Instituut, Amsterdam
The thesis examines game dynamics in relation to the experience of contingency. It begins with an exploration of the protestant doctrine of predetermination during the period of Reformation and the experience of contingency since the onset of modernity. Central to this is the concept of “Szienz,” which the mystic and philosopher Jacob Böhme developed in the early 17th century as a fusion of ‘Ziehen’ (being drawn towards something) and “scientia” (knowledge) referring to the knowledge of the future only open to God.
The second part introduces the design research. It begins by distinguishing between game and play, which are then related to factors of contingency, Scienz, and agency.
The final part consists of a practical section in which four simple games serve as the basis for further field research. This section concludes with a brief outlook.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: Experience of Contingency
A Brief Exploration of (pre-)Determination, Jacob Böhme’s ‘Szienz’
…and the conscience as a luring unconscious compass
Games, Play, Politics, and Other Orders
Differentiations in Forms of Play and Games
Reading Game Metaphors as a Reflection of the Experience of Contingency
The Moment of ‘Szienz’ in Games and the “utilization of contingency”
Field Research: Game Dynamics in the Perspective of ‘Szienz’ and Agency
Analyses of the games
Summary
Final Thoughts
Bibliography
Appendix
Janis Eckhardt 