“Mind-expanding . . . The Score is so exuberant and readable that the depth and seriousness of its insights almost sneak up on you.” —Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times

“Brilliant and wildly original . . . The Score is socially attentive, historically literate and imbued with sensual glee.” —Becca Rothfeld, The Washington Post

“I give this excellent book five stars.” —Stuart Jeffries, Financial Times

A philosophy of games to help us win back control over what we value

The philosopher C. Thi Nguyen—one of the leading experts on the philosophy of games and the philosophy of data—takes us deep into the heart of games, and into the depths of bureaucracy, to see how scoring systems shape our desires.

Games are the most important art form of our era. They embody the spirit of free play. They show us the subtle beauty of action everywhere in life in video games, sports, and boardgames—but also cooking, gardening, fly-fishing, and running. They remind us that it isn’t always about outcomes, but about how glorious it feels to be doing the thing. And the scoring systems help get us there, by giving us new goals to try on.

Scoring systems are also at the center of our corporations and bureaucracies—in the form of metrics and rankings. They tell us exactly how to measure our success. They encourage us to outsource our values to an external authority. And they push on us to value simple, countable things. Metrics don’t capture what really matters; they only capture what’s easy to measure. The price of that clarity is our independence.

The Score asks us is this the game you really want to be playing?

About the Author

C. Thi Nguyen is associate professor of philosophy at the University of Utah, and a specialist in the philosophy of games, the philosophy of technology, and the theory of value. A former food writer for the Los Angeles Times, Nguyen is active in public philosophy, writing for The New York Times, The Washington Post, New Statesman, and elsewhere.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

GreatBookPrices.com is your top source for finding new books at the absolute lowest prices, guaranteed ! We offer big discounts - everyday - on millions of titles in virtually any category, from Architecture to Zoology -- and everything in between. Discover great deals and super-savings, on professional books, text book titles, the newest computer guides, or your favorite fiction authors. You'll find it all - at HUGE SAVINGS - at GreatBookPrices. Browse through our complete online product catalog today. Serving customers around the world for years, we help thousands find just the books they're looking for -- at incredibly low, bargain prices.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Far Corner Europe Limited
19-20 Bourne Court, 19-20 Bourne Court, Woodford Green, IG8 8HD, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Company Name: GreatBookPricesUK
Legal Entity: Far Corner Europe Limited
Address: 19-20 Bourne Court, Southend Road, Woodford Green Essex, UK IG8 8HD
Registration #: 10691061
Authorized representative: Danielle Hainsey

Shipping Terms

Our warehouses across the globe are fully operational without substantial delays. We are working hard and continue to overcome the daily challenges presented by COVID-19. There have been reports that delivery carriers are experiencing large delays resulting in longer than normal deliveries to customers. See USPS's website for further detail. We would like to apologize in advance if your item arrives later than the expected delivery due date.

Internal processing of your order will take about 1-2 business days. Please allow an additional 4-14 business days for Media Mail delivery. We have multiple ship-from locations - MD,IL,NJ,UK,IN,NV,TN & GA

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	10 to 30 business days	10 to 27 business days
First item	US$ 20.27	US$ 20.27

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.