Official Course Description:  MCCCD Approval: 6-23-2009
PHI251  2009 Fall – 2010 Summer II	LEC  3.0 Credit(s)  3.0 Period(s)  3.0 Load  Acad
Philosophy of Sport
General consideration of sport in its philosophical dimensions. Possible topics include the Zen of sport, strategy and competition, sport, practice, and play, and cheating versus fair play. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
PHI251  2009 Fall – 2010 Summer II	Philosophy of Sport

 

1.         Distinguish philosophy from other forms of inquiry. (I)

2.         Distinguish sport from other forms of activity. (I)

3.         Contrast and criticize the views of Plato and Aristotle on sport. (II)

4.         Summarize and critique competing positions on the mind-body problem. (III)

5.         Analyze the concepts of practice, competition, and individual vs. team sports. (III)

6.         Differentiate between and evaluate knowledge paradigms and apply to various sporting scenarios. (IV)

7.         Interpret and critique the aesthetic qualities of sport and play. (V)

8.         Contrast different normative ethical approaches. (VI)

9.         Appraise and evaluate various ethical issues associated with sports. (VI)

10.       Critique the role of sport within its social and political context. (VI)

 

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
PHI251  2009 Fall – 2010 Summer II	Philosophy of Sport

 

I.          Introduction

            A.        Philosophy

            B.        Sport

II.        Sport and the Ancients

            A.        Plato and Virtue

            B.        Aristotle and Eudaimonia

            C.        The Olympic Games

III.       Metaphysics of Sport

            A.        Minds and Body

                        1.         Philosophical positions

                        2.         Zen of sport

            B.        Conceptual Analysis

                        1.         Practice and competition

                        2.         Individual sport vs. team sport

IV.       Epistemology of Sport

            A.        Philosophical definitions and distinctions

            B.        Games and strategies

            C.        Tacit knowledge

            D.        Pseudo-science, superstition, and luck

V.        Aesthetics and Play

            A.        Play, pretend, and fun

            B.        Sport as Art

            C.        Appreciating sport

                        1.         Interpretation and evaluation

                        2.         Logic, reason, and emotion

VI.       Ethics and Sport

            A.        Normative ethical theories

                        1.         Deontology

                        2.         Utilitarianism

                        3.         Virtue ethics

            B.        Applied ethical issues in sport

                        1.         Cheating and fair play

                        2.         Performance enhancements

                        3.         Racism and sexism

                        4.         Violence

            C.        Sport and society

                        1.         Social and religious values

                        2.         The Commons

                        3.         Justice, equality, and good will

                        4.         Law