Course Resources Archive

This module introduces students to the discipline of philosophy in the contexts of sport & exercise. It covers the methods used in philosophical study with an application to concepts and issues in sport and exercise, including: definitions of sport, the nature of scientific enquiry, ethical issues in sport and exercise, and the relationship sport has with other areas of human life. 

The module will introduce students to the nature of philosophical enquiry and the methods used in philosophy. Emphasis will be given to developing skills such as, analysing concepts, deconstructing and evaluating sound arguments, and recognising assumptions and presuppositions. Consideration will be given to a range of philosophical and ethical issues in sport and exercise and will include: conceptual issues associated with the definition of sport; the nature and use of scientific methods in the study of sport; the function of rules in sport and games; concepts of fairness, fair play and good competition, and the relationship between sport and other forms of human activity.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1.  demonstrate a broad understanding of philosophical methods and issues within sport and exercise

2.  identify contested concepts inherent in the study of sport and exercise

3. demonstrate an application of philosophic methods to key issues in sport and exercise

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.