Irena Martínková - Böcker

The study of sport is often thought of simply in terms of the sport sciences. This book explains how a phenomenological approach is capable of revealing the nature and meanings of sport in ways that are beyond the reach of the sciences and how the very concepts required by sport science stand in need of philosophical explanation. The book has a 'didactic' intention, seeking to present and discuss ideas and tools developed in the phenomenological tradition in order to illuminate issues in sport, in such a way as to be understandable for those without any previous knowledge or background.There are clear and straightforward accounts of the ideas of central thinkers, such as Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and Patočka, and applications of central ideas to the analysis of particular issues, such as the nature of risk sports, the feint in football, the problem of the instant replay, the role of the sport psychologist, the idea of 'bodily perception', and the concept of 'transhumanism' in relation to performance enhancement.This book was originally published as a special issue of Sport, Ethics and Philosophy.

This book explores the emerging concept of ‘slow sport’ – recreational movement practices that emphasize mindful engagement over competition. Targeted at philosophers of sport, wellness researchers, physical education specialists, and practitioners of mindful movement disciplines, this collection examines how intentional, non-competitive bodily practices cultivate deeper experiential connections with our environments. From yoga, meditation, and martial arts to Saharan recreational activities, contributors analyze how slowing down physical practice creates space for enhanced well-being, environmental attunement, and phenomenological richness.Ideal for academic readers interested in alternative approaches to physical culture, this book challenges conventional sport paradigms by highlighting how deliberate slowness transforms recreational movement into a philosophical practice – one that prioritizes qualitative experience over quantifiable results, fostering a more contemplative relationship between the human being and the environment.The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Sport, Ethics and Philosophy.

The study of sport is often thought of simply in terms of the sport sciences. This book explains how a phenomenological approach is capable of revealing the nature and meanings of sport in ways that are beyond the reach of the sciences and how the very concepts required by sport science stand in need of philosophical explanation. The book has a 'didactic' intention, seeking to present and discuss ideas and tools developed in the phenomenological tradition in order to illuminate issues in sport, in such a way as to be understandable for those without any previous knowledge or background.There are clear and straightforward accounts of the ideas of central thinkers, such as Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and Patočka, and applications of central ideas to the analysis of particular issues, such as the nature of risk sports, the feint in football, the problem of the instant replay, the role of the sport psychologist, the idea of 'bodily perception', and the concept of 'transhumanism' in relation to performance enhancement.This book was originally published as a special issue of Sport, Ethics and Philosophy.