The Game of the Laws

Publication Date

12-1999

Journal

Political Theory

Abstract

The article explores Plato's Laws and its vision of the city as a "game" governed by strategic interaction, contrasting it with modern game theory. While both frameworks recognize the necessity of rational, maximizing behavior for civic order, Plato argues that such rationality is not inherent but must be cultivated through politics. The article contends that the *Laws* introduces a "second-order game" of law-giving, led by divine or godlike figures, which establishes the rules for the "first-order game" of civic life. This second-order game is driven by "intelligence" and "playfulness," which Plato sees as essential for maintaining civic cohesion and harmony. The article critiques game theory for assuming rationality without addressing the political and cultural conditions necessary to sustain it.

Volume

27

Issue

6

First Page

769

Last Page

788

Publisher

SAGE Publishing

DOI

10.1177/0090591799027006004

Disciplines

Dispute Resolution and Arbitration | International Trade Law | Law | Law and Politics

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