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
Indepth case studies along with discussion questions that can be used to teach students how to follow a philosophical
argument and come to their own conclusions
The case studies, one on running up the score and the other on performanceenhancing substances, are based on
two articles that are reprinted in their entirety in the appendix. 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.
Table of Contents
Part I: The Nature and Methods of Philosophy
Chapter 1. Philosophy and Kinesiology
The Nature of Philosophy
The Case for Philosophy
Philosophic Questions
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 2. Pursuing Philosophic Answers
Initiating a Philosophic Analysis
Applying Philosophic Reasoning to Complex Issues
Conclusions About Philosophic Reasoning
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Part II: Human Beings and Physical Activity
Chapter 3. Mind�Body Dualism
Introduction to Dualism
Five Kinds of Dualism
Assets and Liabilities
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 4. Scientific Materialism
Introduction to Scientific Materialism
Four Kinds of Scientific Materialism
Assets and Liabilities
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 5. Tournaments of Dualism and Materialism
Two Tournaments
Tournament of Dualism
Tournament of Materialism
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 6. Holism
Significance of Holism
Early Expressions of Holism
Five Principles for a New Vision
A Horizontal Interpretation
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 7. Holism: From Theory to Practice
Four Implications of Holism
Five Holistic Strategies
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Part III: The Subject Matter of Kinesiology
Chapter 8. Creating Movement Playgrounds
The Case for Health Through Active Living
The Nature of Play
Finding and Growing Playgrounds
Growing Players and Playgrounds
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 9. Understanding Games, Competition, and Winning
The Nature of Games
The Value of Competition
Other Forms of Movement
Scientized Movement and Cultural Activity
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Part IV: Ethics, Value Choices, and the Good Life
Chapter 10. Developing Sound Professional Ethics
Introduction to Ethics
Developing Moral Confidence
Developing Good Moral Attitudes and Habits
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 11. Physical Activity and the Good Life
The Good Life
Why Prioritize Values?
Making Value Choices
Ranking Values
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
Chapter 12. The Active Lifestyle
Health and Fun: Powerful Extrinsic Values
Knowledge and Skill: Powerful Intrinsic Values
Four Versions of the Active Lifestyle
Summary: The Good Life, Health, and Movement
Review
Looking Ahead
Checking Your Understanding
