Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 256
•
Trim: 6 x 9
978-0-7425-7060-3 • Hardback • October 2012 • $144.00 • (£111.00)
978-0-7425-7061-0 • Paperback • October 2012 • $52.00 • (£40.00)
978-0-7425-7062-7 • eBook • October 2012 • $49.00 • (£38.00)
Heather Reid is professor of philosophy at Morningside College.
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Introduction: Why Study The Philosophy of Sport?
Part One: History and Heritage
Chapter One: The Ancient Hellenic Heritage
Chapter Two: The Modern Olympic Revival
Part Two: Metaphysical Issues in Sport
Chapter Three: Sport and Play
Chapter Four: Sport and Games
Chapter Five: Sport and Social Practices
Chapter Six: Sport and Art
Chapter Seven: Mind and Body
Part Three: Ethical Issues in Sport
Chapter Eight: Consequentialism and Play
Chapter Nine: Deontology and Fairness
Chapter Ten: Virtues and Vices
Chapter Eleven: Ethical Spectacle
Part Four: Social and Political Issues in Sport
Chapter Twelve: Sport and Education
Chapter Thirteen: Sport and Social Categories
Chapter Fourteen: Sport and Political Ideals
Chapter Fifteen: Sport and Globalization
Conclusion: Ten Intrinsic Values of Sport
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
Appendix: Philosophy of Sport as an Academic Subject
About the Author
Heather Reid’s Introduction to the Philosophy of Sport fills a gap in the subject area. It is an entry-level yet encompassing text that will greatly enhance courses in sport philosophy, as well as programs in kinesiology and sports management that seek to impart a broader, more humanistic perspective to their students. Academically rigorous yet eminently readable, its tight argumentation, very interesting examples, and probing questions will definitely engage students. Particularly commendable is the fact that instead of just focusing on particular issues—cheating, doping, violence, or college sports—Reid integrates these into a suitable philosophical context. Students will leave not just with a number of convenient “answers,” but rather a comprehensive view sensitive to the complexity of the issues. Whether on its own or supplemented by primary source readings, this volume gives instructors the flexibility to craft their “dream course.”
— Jesús Ilundain, Linfield College
This is a first-rate introduction to the philosophy of sport, which introduces the student to most of the important issues in the discipline, surveys the major scholarship in a way that is both fair and accessible, and shows the student reader how to connect his or her sporting experience with the issues as they have been treated. The book also has an extensive bibliography that will be as valuable to established scholars as it will be to students.
— Drew A. Hyland, Trinity College
As might be expected from Heather Reid, Introduction to the Philosophy of Sport is a thorough and rigorously argued treatment of major ethical, social, and metaphysical issues in the philosophy of sport. Her book is distinguished by her judicious treatment of the work of both ancient Greek and contemporary sources as well as its clear treatment of difficult issues and its analytic acuity.
— Robert L. Simon
This is an excellent volume that emphasizes sport metaphysics and ethics. Reid’s knowledge of Greek philosophy provides a wonderful foundation for her analyses of the nature and value of sport. Her prose is very accessible, and her analyses are more than worthy of consideration. This is a superb introduction for those interested in learning about central themes in sport philosophy.
— R. Scott Kretchmar, Pennsylvannia State University
From her vantage point as professor of philosophy and former elite cyclist, Reid (Morningside College) provides a compelling introduction to the philosophy of sport. Organized in four sections (historical, metaphysical, ethical, social and political), this book carefully examines numerous philosophical issues related to sport and physical activity. An expert in ancient Greek philosophy, Reid begins by examining the place of sport in antiquity and the modern Olympic Games. Subsequent sections explore the relationship between sport and play, games, social practices, art, mind, and body. Sport invariably touches on ethical issues, and in this vein Reid illustrates how ethical frameworks such as consequentialism and deontology impact the sporting arena. Reid excels by combining her scholarly philosophical knowledge and critical reasoning skills with her experiential background in sport and a keen sense of movement-related applications. This work will be of interest to those studying philosophy and kinesiology. It could serve as an insightful introductory text. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter prompt the reader toward greater reflection on this important topic and serve as a tremendous resource for faculty members. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; faculty; general readers.
— Choice Reviews
Chapters organized around the traditional division of philosophy into metaphysics, ethics and politics, in order to equip students with a foundational understanding to discuss specific issues such as cheating and commercialism.
Survey of the history and heritage of sport, tracing its roots back to the first Olympics in ancient Greece.
Appendix featuring an overview of the philosophy of sport as an academic subject, including a discussion of the founding works in this relatively new field.
Discussion questions at the end of each chapter to provide opportunities for critical thinking and content review.
Glossary of key terms and concepts, including Greek terms