Sport, Play, and Ethical Reflection

Randolph Feezell is a professor of philosophy at Creighton University. He is the author of Faith, Freedom, and Value: Introductory Philosophical Dialogues and other books. A philosophical analysis of the nature, attraction, and limits of sportRandolph 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 to 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. A CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title, 2006.

A CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title, 2006."Feezell's Sport, Play, and Ethical Reflection offers an insightful treatment of central issues in the philosophy of sport. It is a significant addition to the critical literature that does much to correct the overemphasis on sport for the sake of external commercial rewards, entertainment, and winning at any cost. This book is both at intellectually serious--sure to be widely discussed among scholars--while remaining accessible, clear, and easy to follow.”-- Robert Simon, Professor of Philosophy, Hamilton College"Sport, Play, and Ethical Reflection develops an interesting and thought-provoking 'ironic' view of sport as 'absurd.’ This is a clear and illuminating work from a philosopher and an athlete who knows his subjects."-- Sigmund Loland, professor at the Norwegian University for Sport and Physical Education