definition

Games Create Artificial Purpose

Games are the model for creating artificial purpose: by setting an arbitrary goal (like getting a golf ball through holes in sequence using only a club), one generates an activity in which to exercise skill and derive pleasure—and nothing prevents creating elaborate artificial purposes at technological maturity, distinct from real purposes that involve things you actually need to do.

definitionpending

Speaker

Nicholas Bostrom

Evidence Quote

you don't really need to have the ball travel through the holes in sequence using only a golf club to propel it. But, you can set yourself that goal, and then once you've done that, then you have this activity that you can engage in and exercise your skill

Source

Purpose, Pleasure, and Meaning in a World Without Work (with Nicholas Bostrom)EconTalk
Created: 6/13/2026, 12:04:44 AM

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