Product Description
This engaging and informative text will hold the attention of students and scholars as they take a journey through time to understand the role that history and philosophy have played in shaping the course of sport and physical education in Western and selected non-Western civilizations. From Mesoamerica and Ancient Greece to the 2008 Olympic Games, the book touches on religion, politics, social movements, and individuals as they contributed to the development of sport and physical education. An extensive array of pedagogical tools--including timelines, comprehensive lists of chapter objectives, suggested websites, and discussion questions--aids the learning experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Yep!
The description for this item was very accurate adn honest. There was minor wear on the corners, but still very useable. Well worth it.

Fine book with a notable exception
As an overview of the philosophy of sport from Egypt and Ancient Greece to the present time, this is a fine volume. But it is breathtaking that in a review of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich the author saw fit to recall "Notable" performances in track and field events, gymnastics, swimming and more and yet managed to leave out the most notable and historic contest of all: the gold medal basketball game between Russia and the United States. This was the United States' first "loss," since basketball's inclusion in 1936, though they were swindled out of their gold after officials put time back on the clock on three consecutive occasions.

In a spirit of solidarity and righteous indignation the American team refused to accept their silver medals.

How can this episode--which is arguably the greatest instance of official bias
in sports history--not be recognized in an objective history of this sort?

Ken Shouler ... Read more

Product Description
Philosophy is a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of kinesiology students’ education. Practical Philosophy of Sport and Physical Activity, Second Edition, provides students with a thorough, clear, and practical introduction to the philosophy of physical activity and sport, and in doing so, prepares them for the ethical questions they will face as professionals.

This second edition has been significantly revised, and it has been enhanced to include the following features:·Expanded instruction on practical ethics in physical activity, guiding students in how to rank values and turn those values into actions·New material that emphasizes physical activity as well as sport, and provides specific holistic techniques for the practitioner in the workplace·In-depth case studies, one on running up the score and the other on performance-enhancing substances, from previously published articles that have been reprinted in their entirety in the appendix·Discussion questions based on the case studies that can be used to teach students how to follow a philosophical argument and come to their own conclusions

Practical Philosophy of Sport and Physical Activity, Second Edition, helps students examine key moral questions in sport. Its approach to the content helps students follow and dissect ethical arguments, think through philosophic issues, and apply theory to practice. Each chapter includes objectives, philosophical exercises, reviews, and study questions to reinforce understanding. Kretchmar’s engaging writing style accentuates important topics of discussion, focusing the readers’ attention on the philosophy behind the practice or strategy. As a result, students develop their philosophical skills, refine their personal philosophy concerning physical activity and sport, and learn that philosophy can be clear, practical, and holistic, rather than obscure, overly theoretical, and dualistic.

The text is arranged in four parts. Part I introduces students to the nature and methods of philosophy. Part II focuses on issues relating to the nature of the athlete or client and includes analyses of dualism, scientific materialism, and holism. Part III delves into kinesiology issues, including the nature of play, games, and competition, and Part IV provides expanded material on ethics, value choices, and active lifestyles.

This text provides students with the practical tools and specific techniques they need to think ethically and systematically, as they become skilled practitioners in the field of physical activity and sport. In doing so, it demystifies philosophy and reveals it as the guiding element in our understanding of, and approach to, activity, games, and competitions. ... Read more

Product Description

This user-friendly collection of essays on topical issues in philosophy of sport draws principally from philosophy, but contains some writings from sociological and psychological literature that has a philosophical slant. The anthology contains 44 essays on diverse and contemporary issues in sport from different perspectives. Each article addresses critical and topical issues such as “What is Sport?”“Are female athletes of the same rank as men?”“Is sport a species of art?”and each invites critical discussion. The essays address the following issues: the nature of the sport; aesthetics and sport; ethics and sport; sportspersonship; cheating; winning; violence; performance-enhancing drugs; epistemological issues in sport; sport and society; heroism; gender; race; pedagogy; and sport in society. For athletes and sports fans interested in the philosophy of sport.

Customer Reviews (1)

Review for Philosophy of Sport Textbook
The textbook I received was acceptable.The book does contain marks like underlining and highlights.The textbook was being sold as acceptable condition, so the markings did not surprise me. ... Read more

Product Description
A unique anthology of essays exploring the philosophical wisdom runners contemplate when out for a run. It features writings from some of America’s leading philosophers, including Martha Nussbaum, Charles Taliaferro, and J.P. Moreland.

• A first-of-its-kind collection of essays exploring those gems of philosophical wisdom runners contemplate when out for a run
• Topics considered include running and the philosophy of friendship; the freedom of the long distance runner; running as aesthetic experience, and “Could a Zombie Run a Marathon?”
• Contributing essayists include philosophers with athletic experience at the collegiate level, philosophers whose pasttime is running, and one philosopher who began running to test the ideas in his essay

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book
Very inspiring and thought provoking. Not only gets your foot out the door but your mind is no longer lazy either! Must read for all thinker/runners.

Two different activities that complement each other greatly!
Though I have read very few pop culture & philosophy books all the way through, this is one of the best ones I have read. Not only do many of the essays connect to well known philosophers and ideas, but many other essays seem very original in their thesis and their conclusions. The best part about this book, though, is that nearly all of essays are easily relatable as anyone who has ever done even a short mile or 5K race can instantly understand what the author is talking about when they mention something about running. It doesn't hurt that many of the best authors seem to be runners themselves and imbue their essays with their own personal experiences. However, at times the book suffers from what many pop culture & philosophy books suffer from: essays and ideas that are not explained very well and go way over the heads of the readers. One essay in particular started talking about "zombies" without explaining what he was talking about. It took me half of the essay to figure out what he meant. Overall, while this book won't make you a better runner or be as necessary as a good pair of running shoes, but the topics discussed will keep you thinking on those long runs.

Food for thought
Philosophy is the key word in the title. I'm not a philosophic guy generally speaking. The book is made up of many different philosophical view points and then they are equated to running. I think it would be an outstanding resource if I find myself taking Philosophy 101 and have to show how philosophy can effect my daily life.
That being said, I did find many of the essays thought provoking, and I was able to really think about them on my runs. Some of the subject matter and tag lines even became part of my blog posts about running.
It you are looking for something deeper to think about while you are running, or need something to help your motivation, it is an excellent choice.

Thought provoking, time well spent
I picked up this book at the perfect time and that is why I am giving it 5 stars.I originally got into running like a lot of people in high school as part of the cross country team.I only ran cross country as a way to get in shape for basketball season.After high school I stopped running and did not pick up the sport again until after my Step-father was diagnosed with cancer.He was a big time runner and had a 10 year streak of competing in a local 13.1 mile race.So I stepped in to run in his place to keep the streak alive.After his passing, I ran my first marathon in his memory and in the process found out a lot about myself.I have been running ever since, taking on 5K, 5 milers, halfs and marathons, all the while becoming more engrossed in the sport of running as well as the psychology behind it.As a child running is as natural as breathing, then at some point it became a chore and now it gives me the time and space I need to think in our modern world.This book simply shares the thoughts of others who have found similar insights from running.Happy trails.

Fun, Challenging, Motivating
This is one of the best books in the whole philosophy and pop culture genre.

For philosophers, the essays feel like they come very naturally out of the topic. They are wide-ranging but all grounded in running--no stretches to get the philosophy in. It's as effortless as a comfortable pace can be.

For runners, there is an informative development of ideas that you've probably started to have in your own running, but haven't seen through this far.

Fun, challenging, motivating. ... Read more

Product Description
Coaching the Mental Game is a bible for coaches who strive to make their athletes the most complete performers possible. Not only a wonderful asset to athletic coaches, this book is a motivational resource for workers in all industries as well as in the game of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Could not put it down
I purchased this book for two male friends who are high level athletic coaches.They both stated that they could not put it down.They also recommended the book to their wives to read.The wives loved it also.I just ordered one for myself.

Best book on this topic
For amateur "weekend warrior" coaches such as myself this is a topic that is far to often barely touched on if talked about at all. Telling kids to concentrate, focus and be mentally tough without teaching it like any other skill is like giving them a bat with no instruction and telling them to hit. Some will pick it up better than others due to their own make-up but all can get much better with a coach teaching them. The mental game can be taught as a skill the same as any physical skill we teach them.

This book is one that has the authentic "been-there-done-that" feel to it. It's well organized with great real world examples and has multiple lists at the end of each topic on how to make our athletes aware of the mental game and how to practice getting better at it.

This is a book you will read and re-read if you're truly interested in being the best coach you can be.It's one of those books where you can just open to any page and pick up a great idea or tip.

Must have
This is the 4th time I bought this book. I have given three away and the last one is worn out. Trying to make the most out of a player's ability is not complete until the mental aspect is addressed and this book helps with that approach. If you coach baseball, you need to have a copy.

Best book on the mental game, period
The most useful book you will find on the mental game, and was very easy to ready. Great organization. A must read for any coach.

Graetest Coaching Book in Existance.
361 Pages Hardcover

ExerptPage 70 Coaching is teaching. The best coaches have something else. They have the good sense to instruct, then get out of the way. They are pedagogues not demagogues.

Table of contents
Section 1 The Coach as leader, Communicator, Teacher
Chapters:
1. Leadership & Power(s)
2. Leadership style
3. You, the leader-the coach
4. The substance of leadership
5. The coach communicates, one way or another
6. Communication: Considering the process Itself
7. Communication: The when, where, how, why-and who!
8. Coaching is teaching.
9. Learners: the Coach and athlete
Section 2 The mental game alphabet: Impact terms for the coach.
Section 3 The mental Game, A to Z: Athletes' impact terms.
Appendix A Leaders list
Appendix B "The guy in the glass"
Appendix C we learn what we've lived
Appendix D A winning way
Appendix E The final word on the mental game ... Read more

Product Description

Over the past forty years, football has surpassed baseball as America's favorite game. The game has become an institution of our national culture: the Super Bowl is regarded as an unofficial national holiday, and our annual Thanksgiving Day celebrations would be incomplete without it. The sport brings in massive amounts of revenue to high schools and both public and private universities as spectators enjoy a unique and celebratory social scene. Professional football teams across the country cultivate and foster a sense of community in urban areas. Surely a game this influential, with its hallowed traditions, treasured festivities, and clearly defined cultural presence, resonates far beyond recreational importance. Football and Philosophy: Going Deep, edited by Michael W. Austin, reveals how a sport followed by millions reflects our deeper values, beliefs, and priorities. Austin and other contributing writers bring unique perspectives to this thought-provoking collection of essays. Divided into "four quarters" of reflective writing, the book covers many topics frequently debated by football fans. Sharon Ryan asks "What's So Bad about Performance Enhancing Drugs?", while the book's editor argues for a playoff system in college football. Daniel Collins-Cavanaugh ponders whether the salary cap makes the NFL a fairer league, and Joshua Smith offers his own review of the instant replay. Football and Philosophy also forays into some time honored issues as it considers the philosophy of winning in light of the NFL's most legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, and contemplates the concepts of sportsmanship, virtue, friendship, and failure. While the book is unafraid to tackle serious topics, touching on ethics, religion, and the nature of reality itself, the collection is designed to be accessible for any interested reader and was written, first and foremost, for fans of the game. As Austin notes, football fans and philosophers definitely have one quality in common: they both love to argue. Football and Philosophy engages in the debates of both groups, illuminating how the fields are intertwined. So whether they love or hate the college bowl system or disagree on whether the NFL has an ego problem, readers of this book will undoubtedly find much to ponder about America's favorite game.

Customer Reviews (1)

Not enough good essays
There were two terrific essays in this book: one about the college playoff system and one about the effect of the NFL salary cap on competition.The rest of the essays were nothing special. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

The fun guide links philosophy to popular culture
Philosophy and sports collections alike will appreciate the messages in The Red Sox and Philosophy: Green Monster Meditations. It brings together a team of some thirty of America's leading thinkers to reveal the Red Sox mysteries, from proof that the Sox are the greatest sports team to moral heroes and Red Sox hats and fans. The fun guide links philosophy to popular culture.

... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Deserves a dual location on philosophy and sports shelves
Soccer and Philosophy provides an unusual pairing: soccer notes by philosophers - and offers insights on ethics, metaphysics, and issues of beauty and form in the soccer environment. By blending philosophical principles and inquiry with soccer specifics, this will reach an audience not ordinarily attracted to philosophy books, and deserves a dual location on philosophy and sports shelves alike.

Wonderful, Whimsical and Cogent
First, ignore the comments on the back cover. They are banal clichés (See Chapter 3: The Boy Done Good? Football's Clichés). I doubt the comments were written by people who actually finished the book.

Second, although this is a book about soccer, the analysis and conclusions may be applied to all sports. (See Chapter 8: What's Luck Got to do with it?).

Third, think about how sports overlap with life and demand the attendance of prominent politicians - to toss the first ball, etc. (See Chapter 24: When a Soccer Club Becomes a Mirror).

Fourth, think about how the officials on the field, in the ring or on the court influence the outcome of the game. (See Chapter 28: The Loneliness of the Referee).

Fifth, Consider whether prayer before, during or after the game influences its outcome. (Chapter 29: God is not a Referee)

This enumeration of thoughts about soccer could to go on without end, just like a 0 to 0 soccer game, requiring a shoot out (see Chapter 27: It's a Lottery!: Penalties and the Meaning of Winning). Oh, did I tell you about the wonderful creative writing in Chapter 26: Kierkegaard at the Penalty Spot?

This is a wonderful, whimsical and cogent book for soccer fans and soccer players, particularly those who enjoyed their philosophy courses in college. The book has multiple authors with uneven writing, but the good writers more than make up for the others.

Soccer in Football Country (Florida)
A great book with a different bent. An easy read even if you don't know a lot about either soccer or philosopy. I recommend it highly.

What a great collection!
What a great book!A collection of different philosophical treatments of the beautiful game from the sublime to the humorous.And just in time for the World Cup too! ... Read more

Product Description
Covering interesting and varied philosophical terrain, Cycling - Philosophy for Everyone explores in a fun but critical way the rich philosophical, cultural, and existential experiences that arise when two wheels are propelled by human energy.

• Incorporates or reflects the views of high-profile and notable past-professional cyclists and insiders   such as Lennard Zinn, Scott Tinley, and Lance Armstrong
• Features contributions from the areas of cultural studies, kinesiology, literature, and political science as well as from philosophers
• Includes enlightening essays on the varieties of the cycling experience, ranging from the ethical issues of success, women and cycling, environmental issues of commuting and the transformative potential of cycling for personal growth
• Shows how bicycling and philosophy create the perfect tandem
• Includes a foreword by Lennard Zinn, author and owner of Zinn Cycles Inc.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Work
Michael W. Austin really knows his stuff.He continues to amaze and enthrall me with the breadth of his knowledge about all things philosophy and sports.My only hope is that he will continue to produce at this astounding rate.Anyone who is a cyclist, is interested in cycling or has thought about riding a bike should buy this book immediately. ... Read more

Product Description
Sport has always presented participants, administrators and observers with a wide and often bizarre array of ethical dilemmas. They take on a special edge, perhaps because the sport personalities are usually well known as are result of the extensive media coverage of sporting events. We look in astonishment and horror at such things as the judging debacle in the pairs figure-skating event at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the not-too-distant future possibility of genetically modified athletes, the bribe taking by members of the IOC, the widespread steroid use by athletes, the child sex-abuse cases in hockey, the acceptance of physical assault and violence, the hooligans among British soccer fans, and the drug abusers at the Tour de France. This revised and expanded edition is designed to provide an analytical framework to enable readers to explore and understand many of the ethical issues and controversies in sport today. Included for discussion purposes are topical case studies drawn from the world of sport and recreation. ... Read more

Product Description
At last, a clear and insightful look at the system of beliefs that is the basis for the practice of Aikido. The Philosophy of Aikido is an invaluable guide for practitioners--whether beginning or advanced--wishing to know more about the context in which Aikido was developed and Aikido's implications for the world today.

Intended as a companion volume to Kisshomaru Ueshiba's classic The Spirit of Aikido, the book is authored by John Stevens, the foremost non-Japanese expert in the field. It is written from an international perspective that considers how Aikido is related to the emerging global culture.

Some of the ideas discussed are:
* the relation of Aikido to such Asian traditions as Shinto, Shingon Buddhism, Omoto-kyo esotericism, Taoist mysticism and Tantra
* points of correspondence between Aikido and Western philosophical and religious systems--Greek philosophy, Christianity, Kabbalah, alchemy and modern scientific theories
*links between Aikido and art
* ways that Aikido thinking can be used to advance the causes of such urgent issues as health and healing, conflict resolution and environmental responsibility

The Philosophy of Aikido will be of vital interest to all those who are drawn to a dynamic philosophy centered on harmony, peace and spiritual strength. The book includes 70 black-and-white illustrations of woodblock prints, calligraphy and photographs from the author's extensive collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent, eloquent, thought-provoking book
I was extraordinarily impressed by this book.Author Stevens has provided a succinct overview of the philosphy of Aikido.What is at least as impressive is how he ties in religious and philosophical threads from many other traditions, eastern and western, ancient and modern, in a way which sets Aikido's spirituality in a wonderfully broad and rich context.He does this in a way which is not at all forced or contrived, but truly sensible and resonant.A work of this philosophical and religious depth is a real find at any price.

Personally, I found this book very moving and thought-provoking, and a great help in my spiritual search.I strongly recommend it for all Aikido practitioners, as well as all those generally interested in eastern philosophy and comparative religions.

OK, not great.
Some interesting thoughts on aikido, but very thin for expensive price. Last half of book is nothing but photos. Save yourself some money. Buy it used or wait for the paperback. ... Read more

Product Description

Successful sports coaching is as dependent on utilising good teaching and social practices as it is about expertise in sport skills and tactics. Understanding Sports Coaching offers an innovative introduction to the theory and practice of sports coaching, highlighting the social, cultural and pedagogical concepts underpinning good coaching practice. Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, the book explores the complex interplay between coach, athlete, coaching programme and social context, and encourages coaches to develop an open and reflective approach to their own coaching practice. It addresses key issues such as:

• power and the coach-athlete relationship
• viewing the athlete as a learner
• instructional methods and reflection
• how our view of ability informs assessment
• coaching philosophy and ethics.

Understanding Sports Coaching also includes a full range of practical exercises and case studies designed to encourage coaches to reflect critically upon their own coaching strategies, their interpersonal skills and upon important issues in contemporary sports coaching. This book is essential reading for all students of sports coaching and for any professional coach looking to develop their coaching expertise.

Product Description

With interest and participation in extreme and adventure sports growing year on year, the time is ripe for a thoughtful and analytical assessment of this phenomenon from a rigorous philosophical perspective.

This collection of essays is the first single-source treatment of adventure sports from an exclusively philosophical standpoint. The text offers students a uniquely focused reader of this burgeoning area of interest and provides scholars with a source book for further studies in this area.

Featuring contributions from well-respected writers in the field who each also have personal familiarity of participation in adventure and extreme sports, this is set to become a classic analysis of the intersections between philosophy and extreme experiences, encompassing essential related concepts of elation, danger, death, wilderness and authenticity.

Product Description
Fair Play in Sport presents a critical re-working of the classic ideal of fair play and explores its practical consequences for competitive sport. By linking general moral principles and practical cases, the book develops a contemporary theory of fair play.
The book examines many of the key issues in the ethics of sport, including:
* fairness and justice in sport
* moral and immoral interpretation of 'athletic performance'
* what makes a 'good competition'
* the key values of competitive sport.
The notion of fair play is integral to sport as we know and experience it, and is commonly seen as a necessary ethos if competitive sport is to survive and flourish. Fair Play in Sport provides an invaluable guide to the subject for all those with an interest in ethics and the philosophy of sport. ... Read more

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Sport, Rules and Values presents a philosophical perspective on some issues concerning the character of sport. ... Read more

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In paperback for the first time, Randolph Feezell's "Sport, Play, and Ethical Reflection" immediately tackles two big questions about sport: "What is it?" and "Why does it attract so many people?" He argues that sports participation is best described as a form of human play, and the attraction for participants and viewers alike derives from both its aesthetic richness and narrative structure. He then claims that the way in which sports encourage serious competition in trivial pursuits is fundamentally absurd, and therefore participation requires a state of irony in the participants, where seriousness and playfulness are combined. Feezell builds on these conclusions, addressing important ethical issues, arguing that sportsmanship should be seen as a kind of Aristotelian mean between the extremes of over and under investment in sport. Chapters on cheating, running up the score, and character-building stress sport as a rule-governed, tradition-bound practice with standards of excellence and goods internal to the practice. With clear writing and numerous illuminating examples, Feezell demonstrates deep insight into both of his subjects. ... Read more

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Sport has gained increasing importance for welfare society. In this process, however, the term of ‘sport’ has become less and less clear. Larger parts of what nowadays is called ‘Sport for all’ are non-competitive and derived from traditions of gymnastics, dance, festivity, games, outdoor activities, and physical training rather than from classical modern elite sports. This requires new philosophical approaches, as the philosophy of sport, so far, has been dominated by topics of elite sports.

Based on Scandinavian experiences, the book presents studies about festivities of sport, outdoor activities, song and movement, and play and game. The engagement of elderly people challenges sports. Games get political significance in international cooperation, for peace culture and as means against poverty (in Africa). The empirical studies result in philosophical analyses on the recognition of folk practice in education and on relations between identity and recognition.

The study of ‘Sport for all’ opens up for new ways of phenomenological knowledge, moving bottom-up from sport to the philosophy of "the individual", of event, of nature, and of human energy. Popular sports give inspiration to a philosophy of practice as well as to a phenomenological understanding of ‘the people’, of civil society and the ‘demos’ of democracy – as folk in movement.

This book was published as a special issue in Sport, Ethics and Philosophy.

Product Description
Sport Technology: History, Philosophy and Technology arrives at a crucial time for the ethical consideration of elite sport. With new innovations in sports equipment, doping methods and human engineering on the horizon, the ethical issues raised by such technology have become noticeably acute. The problematisation of technology in sport has gone largely unnoticed in historical, philosophical and policy studies of sport, until the publication of this volume. Tracing the origins, present contexts and future of sport technology, this volume speaks to a multi-disciplinary audience, developing theory of technology and sport.

Sport Technology: History, Philosophy and Technology provides a foundation for theorising technological issues in sport, building upon themes in cultural studies of the cyborg, otherness and gender. The book begins with an initial contextualising of sport technology, tracing the historical roots of key mome ... Read more