La conception de la « distance » de Jacques Henriot : un espace virtuel de jeu

Abstract

Jacques Henriot states that play refers to one same and single idea. He believes in a semantic core, a common element, one play unit amongst the diversity of games. This « common denominator », as called by Caillois, explains why one plays in any kind of games. Referring to Henriot, our understanding is that this semantic core is the « distance » which defines the function of play, because the concept of play must first be understood in a mechanical way. Play is foremost that space (empty gap) which allows to state that there is a « kind » of play: in parts of a gear, in joints, in hinges, etc. Play is then considered as a dialectical operation that puts the player at a distance. The nature of play is this distance, this gap that creates the game for a player. Distance is thus a key-concept to understand Henriot’s conception of play, but instead of considering this « distance » in the psychoanalytical context, we aim to define it with the concept of « virtuality », to better encompass Henriot’s fertile thought.

Keywords

• mechanical play
• distance
• virtuality
• function
• play form
• creation