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00:00:00 – 01:22:53
The video explores the cultural and philosophical aspects of the game of taba in Argentina. Dr. Alberto Lamas and other speakers discuss the historical significance of taba, its evolution from a game of chance to one of skill, and its cultural ties to Argentina's identity as a mix of European and indigenous influences. Themes of luck, skill, fairness, and the balance between playfulness and serious philosophy are woven throughout the discussion. The segment also touches on broader topics such as the decline of meaningful activities in modern society, the impact of technology on gaming practices, and the importance of genuine interactions in gameplay. The video concludes with a reference to skilled taba players like Olano and Daniel Elustondo, suggesting potential future interviews on related topics.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, Dr. Alberto Lamas, a philosopher, is interviewed about his research on Creole games, specifically focusing on the game of taba. Dr. Lamas discusses the historical and cultural significance of the game in Magdalena, a region in Buenos Aires. He recalls playing taba with friends for money, referencing the use of the defunct currency austral. Additionally, he mentions how they transitioned from playing taba to dice games like tutif or English pass, and even created a system where beer caps were used as currency in place of australs.
00:10:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses playing a game involving caps and gambles of money, emphasizing honesty in the game. They describe playing with lids and chips, not selling tokens, and continuing the game with additional bets. The speaker then talks about conducting a championship where players can’t buy tokens to ensure fairness. They detail the technique of throwing a cap to stick on the ground and the skill involved. The speaker also shares their involvement in an Argentine association dedicated to the game and its regulations. The segment concludes with insights on luck, skill, and the importance of a fair game in life. The speaker reflects on the significance of luck, skill, and betting in the game, relating it to ancient Greek philosophy and the concept of a fulfilling life.
00:20:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the dynamics of a game where one player decides to “wait” instead of actively participating, emphasizing that in the game, players do not get offended by others’ actions. The speaker explains the rules of a traditional game involving throwing a bone known as “taba” on compacted earth to determine luck. The scarcity of taba due to changes in cattle breeding practices is highlighted. The process of preparing taba, including cleaning it with ant colonies and submerging it in heated grease, is explained in detail. The significance of balancing the taba for proper gameplay is also discussed.
00:30:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the game of ‘taba’ and its evolution. The ‘taba’ was initially a game of chance believed to have originated in Greece. It involved throwing a six-sided ‘taba’ like a dice, which eventually transformed into a game of skill. The ‘taba’ arrived in South America, particularly in Argentina, where it transitioned from using lamb ‘tabas’ to bovine ‘tabas’. The speaker emphasizes Argentina’s cultural identity as a mix of European and indigenous influences, known as Creoles. The discussion touches on philosophical aspects and addresses the prohibition of ‘taba’ due to gambling-related issues rather than skill. The speaker recounts anecdotes related to ‘taba’ playing and its historical context in Argentina’s cultural heritage.
00:40:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about their missionary brother and a cultural story related to playing a game called taba. They discuss the relationship between skill and luck in taba, mentioning its popularity and inclusive nature. The conversation delves into the mystical and spiritual aspects associated with taba, emphasizing the presence of destiny and the need to balance skill and luck in the game. The speaker also references Johan Wiing Hom’s book on the intertwining of skill and chance in cultural practices like taba.
00:50:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the game of taba and its significance, mentioning a study on calculations related to its throws. They talk about different taba groups in various regions and share personal experiences playing the game. The speaker also touches on the topic of cheating in games, referring to a thesis that games express societal beliefs. The conversation transitions to the Argentine spirit and its relation to games like the Argentine trick and English golf. The speaker emphasizes the Argentine trait of irreverence and cultural characteristics unique to Argentina, such as a love for card games. The segment also briefly covers personal experiences studying Greek while in prison and encounters with scholars of Aristotle.
01:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses their experience with a professor and their approach to irreverence in philosophy. They touch upon topics such as Greek knowledge, metaphysical meditations, Aristotle’s works, Brentano’s influence, disenchantment of the West, and the loss of playfulness in modern society. The conversation delves into the decline of cultural forms, the sacredness lost in the West, and the role of recreation versus true play. The segment ends by reflecting on the current state of the West and the implications for society.
01:10:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the decline of Christian philosophers in the West compared to the East and Russia’s Orthodox tradition. He highlights the desacralization caused by consumer society and the loss of meaningful activities like play. The speaker differentiates between existential games, video games, and other forms of cultural expression like literature and cinema. He also touches on the impact of technology and media on modern gaming practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions and donations to others in gameplay.
01:20:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the best bartender in history, mentioning a certain Olano known for his taba skills. Olano’s prominence in the game of taba is highlighted, with a comparison to a contemporary taba champion, Daniel Elustondo. The speaker appreciates the conversation with a philosopher on the channel and hints at future interviews.