Sports are a broad spectrum of activities that involve physical exertion and skill. They often take place competitively, and are governed by a set of rules.
The philosophical study of sport is primarily concerned with issues concerning the’mind-body relationship’ (Gerber and Morgan, 1979) and the experience of sport. The philosophy of sport also incorporates consideration of aesthetic qualities (e.g. beauty, ugliness, grace) and considers the relationship of sport to art.
Historically, sport has had a significant role in human development and social interaction. It is a way of meeting physical challenges, comparing one’s abilities to others, and of developing social skills (Grantland Rice; Pierre de Coubertin).
It is also an excellent form of exercise, as it builds up the heart. Regular sport can reduce cholesterol and fats in the body, and strengthen the blood vessels.
There are many different types of competition, and each has its own rules, regulations, and judging systems. Some are objective and others subjective, and some are designed to provide equal opportunities for all participants.
Athletes compete to be the best at a particular skill or to reach a desired goal, while spectators watch and cheer for their favourite team. Some philosophers of sport believe that sport is a cultural field, while others argue that it is a product of other cultural fields.
The main difference between these two perspectives is that ‘descriptive’ theories focus on the central concepts of sport, while ‘normative’ theories attempt to determine how sport should be. Normative theories are often influenced by externalist theories, which argue that the nature of sport is determined by principles from other practices or the larger society.
