Sport

Jay Schulkin is a research professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Georgetown University. He is the author of numerous books, including Reflections on the Musical Mind: An Evolutionary Perspective (2013).

• Introduction 1. The Concept of Sport 2. Sports, Brain, Body, and the World 3. Evolution, Play, and Sport 4. Genetics, Epigenetics, and Talent 5. Regulation, Recovery, and Resilience 6. Running and the Brain: Neurogenesis 7. Throwing, Swimming, and Rowing 8. Fairness and Sports 9. Dignity and Beauty Conclusion References Index

With his characteristic interdisciplinary breadth of knowledge, Schulkin gives us a comprehensive yet concise survey of the many dimensions of sport from the perspective of evolutionary theory, genetics, neuroscience, social psychology, cultural theory, health science, ethics, and aesthetics. He shows how sport encompasses the full range of human motivations and capacities, from our desire to dominate others to our need for social cooperation and solidarity to our appreciation of human dignity and beauty. -- Mark Johnson, University of Oregon Schulkin is a keen observer, a 'neuroscientist-philosopher,' and an astute commentator on human nature who writes insightfully about the role of physical activity in health, brain mechanisms for coordination and sensory processes, and the relationship of sport to the cultural/political domain-e.g., Jackie Robinson breaking the baseball color line; Nelson Mandela and the Springboks gaining support for national unity; and Jesse Owens and Hitler. Sport is a fascinating read! -- Bruce McEwen, Rockefeller University Sport gives readers a fresh and excellent view of sport. Jay Schulkin illuminates this fascinating topic by bringing to bear a powerful combination of historical, biological, and psychological perspectives. -- Kent Berridge, University of Michigan Recommended. CHOICE