Themed PHIL &101

Philosophy of Sport

Course Description

This themed Philosophy &101 course will introduce students to the nature of sport and how philosophical issues arise in even very practical questions about sport. Such questions may include: What makes something a “sport”? Is competition necessarily a good thing? Is there a connection between sport and violence? Why do so many of us value watching other people engage in sporting activity? Is sport a form of art or does it have its own aesthetics? Does sport have any intrinsic connections with issues of race, class, nationality or gender? What’s wrong with doping and the use of other enhancements in sport? Is it right to regard star athletes as role models? What is the proper role of athletics in society and in education—particularly higher-education? Should major college athletes be paid? What is the proper place of sport in one’s own life?

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to...

1. Demonstrate command of important philosophical terminology, themes, and arguments related to the metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and socio-political injustices of institutionalized sports.

2. State, apply, and evaluate non-trivial theories and arguments related to the philosophy of sport.

3. Articulate the socio-historical development of modern conceptions of sport in relation to identity, violence, media, aesthetics, labor, inequality, and education.

4. Evaluate how these historical and political influences have contributed to the suppression or denigration of marginalized communities.