This study book addresses the philosophical foundations of sport and explores fundamental sport-philosophical questions. At the center is the dual character of sport, highlighting both sport’s distinctiveness and its social embedment. It offers a broad analysis of the relationship between sport and society, with particular attention to specific topics such as fair play, doping, health, gender, and the environment.
The content is intended for readers who wish to delve into the societal and ethical aspects of sport, and provides theoretical foundations alongside practice-oriented examples. Topics such as sports ethics, socio-cultural embedment, and the role of sport as a critical forum are discussed extensively.
Contents
1. Sport and philosophy 9
1.1. Sport-philosophical questions 9
1.1.1. Introduction 9
1.1.2. Characteristics of sport-philosophical questions 10
1.2. Sporting actions 17
2. What is sport? 24
2.1. Introduction 24
2.2. The dual character of sport 26
2.3. The 'distinctiveness' of sport 31
2.3.1. Sport and play 31
2.3.2. Sport and physical activity 41
2.4. The embedment of sport in various contexts 52
2.4.1. Sport as an instrument 52
2.4.2. The socio-cultural embedment of sport 58
2.5. Alternative forms of sport 64
3. Sport and society 75
3.1. Introduction 75
3.2. The relationship between sport and society 78
3.3. Some specific topics 91
3.3.1. Sport, media, and commerce 91
3.3.2. Sport and health 98
3.3.3. Sport and Olympism 107
3.3.4. Sport and social integration 117
3.4. Sport practice as a critical forum 127
4. Sport and ethics 131
4.1. Introduction 131
4.2. Values and norms in sport 133
4.2.1. Traditional sports ethics 133
4.2.2. Sports ethics and the dual character of sport 139
4.3. Some specific topics 140 4.3.1. Sport and fair play 140
4.3.2. Sport and health 148
4.3.3. Sport and doping 158
4.3.4. Sport and gender 174
4.3.5. Sport and the environment 183
4.3.6. Sport and violence 193