Athletics and Philosophy in the Ancient World

Contests of Virtue

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Egypt, Greece, Rome
Cover of the book Athletics and Philosophy in the Ancient World by Heather L. Reid, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Heather L. Reid ISBN: 9781317984955
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 2, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Heather L. Reid
ISBN: 9781317984955
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 2, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book examines the relationship between athletics and philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome focused on the connection between athleticism and virtue. It begins by observing that the link between athleticism and virtue is older than sport, reaching back to the athletic feats of kings and pharaohs in early Egypt and Mesopotamia. It then traces the role of athletics and the Olympic Games in transforming the idea of aristocracy as something acquired by birth to something that can be trained. This idea of training virtue through the techniques and practice of athletics is examined in relation to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Then Roman spectacles such as chariot racing and gladiator games are studied in light of the philosophy of Lucretius, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. The concluding chapter connects the book’s ancient observations with contemporary issues such as the use of athletes as role models, the relationship between money and corruption, the relative worth of participation and spectatorship, and the role of females in sport.

The author argues that there is a strong link between sport and philosophy in the ancient world, calling them offspring of common parents: concern about virtue and the spirit of free enquiry.

This book was previously published as a special issue of the Ethics and Sport.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book examines the relationship between athletics and philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome focused on the connection between athleticism and virtue. It begins by observing that the link between athleticism and virtue is older than sport, reaching back to the athletic feats of kings and pharaohs in early Egypt and Mesopotamia. It then traces the role of athletics and the Olympic Games in transforming the idea of aristocracy as something acquired by birth to something that can be trained. This idea of training virtue through the techniques and practice of athletics is examined in relation to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Then Roman spectacles such as chariot racing and gladiator games are studied in light of the philosophy of Lucretius, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. The concluding chapter connects the book’s ancient observations with contemporary issues such as the use of athletes as role models, the relationship between money and corruption, the relative worth of participation and spectatorship, and the role of females in sport.

The author argues that there is a strong link between sport and philosophy in the ancient world, calling them offspring of common parents: concern about virtue and the spirit of free enquiry.

This book was previously published as a special issue of the Ethics and Sport.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Urban Development in Post-Reform China by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Theory of Economic Growth by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book How Arts Education Makes a Difference by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book A Child's Mind by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Dangerous Sexualities by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Supply Chains, Markets and Power by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Green Industrial Policy in Emerging Countries by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book The Mediterranean Tradition in Economic Thought by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Developing Restorative Justice Jurisprudence by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book The Group Leader's Toolkit by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Scientific method by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book The Nature of the Mind by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Environmental Management in a Low Carbon Economy by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Diasporas and Transnationalisms by Heather L. Reid
Cover of the book Plan for the Planet by Heather L. Reid
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy