Philosophy of Sports
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2020
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$97.24 USD
A Philosophical Exploration of Ethics, Identity, and Competition in Sports
Sports are more than just games—they shape our identities, social structures, and
ethical values. The Philosophy of Sports is an engaging, interdisciplinary
eTextbook designed for courses in philosophy, sports ethics, sociology, and
kinesiology. This text examines the historical, conceptual, and ethical foundations
of sports, making it an essential resource for students and instructors exploring the
deeper significance of athletic competition.
Blending classic and contemporary philosophical perspectives, this text challenges
students to think critically about the role of sports in society, addressing topics such as
fairness, performance enhancement, gender, disability, and political activism in
sports. Each module includes theoretical discussions, real-world case studies, and
interactive learning tools to encourage student engagement and discussion.
Key Features:
✔ Comprehensive Coverage of Sports Philosophy – Introduces students to
historical, ethical, and sociopolitical issues in sports, drawing from philosophers
such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Rawls, and Sandel, as well as contemporary debates
in sports ethics.
✔ Interdisciplinary Approach – Integrates perspectives from philosophy,
psychology, sociology, and sports science, offering a well-rounded examination of
athletic competition.
✔ Timely and Controversial Topics – Explores key ethical dilemmas, including:
Defining sports and their cultural significance
Fair play, justice, and competitive integrity
The ethics of performance enhancement and doping
Gender, disability, and inclusivity in sports
The intersection of politics and sports activism
✔ Modular and Flexible – Each chapter is self-contained, allowing instructors to
customize the material for different course structures. Modules include learning
objectives, essential readings, discussion prompts, and media resources.
✔ Real-World Case Studies – Examines historical and contemporary sports
controversies, such as Colin Kaepernick’s protest, trans athletes in competition,
and the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
✔ Designed for Online and Hybrid Learning – The eTextbook includes interactive
elements, multimedia content, and discussion prompts, making it ideal for both in person
and virtual classrooms.
Who Should Adopt This Text?
This eTextbook is ideal for instructors teaching:
-Philosophy of Sports
-Sports Ethics & Fair Play
-Kinesiology & Sports Management
-Sociology of Sports
-Political Philosophy & Social Justice in Sports
Why Choose This eTextbook?
-Engaging and Thought-Provoking – Encourages students to analyze ethical
dilemmas and philosophical questions in sports.
-Balances Theory and Practice – Connects philosophical discussions with realworld
applications, helping students see the relevance of sports ethics in
contemporary debates.
-Encourages Critical Thinking – Provides structured arguments, discussion
questions, and case studies that push students to examine diverse perspectives and
formulate their own positions.
-Written by an Experienced Instructor – Authored by Albert R. Spencer, Ph.D., a
seasoned philosophy professor with expertise in ethics, pragmatism, and the
philosophy of games, ensuring academic rigor and student engagement.
Albert R. Spencer is a Teaching Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Portland State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2007. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, he specializes in American Pragmatism, Ethics, and the Philosophy of Games, integrating innovative pedagogy and digital learning into his teaching. He also serves as an Online Instructor at Portland Community College, designing and delivering courses in ethics, critical thinking, and the history of philosophy.
Dr. Spencer is the author of multiple textbooks published by Kendall Hunt, including The Philosophy of War (2022), The Philosophy of Sex & Love (2021), and The Philosophy of Sports (2020). His forthcoming books, The Philosophy of Games (2025) and The Philosophy of Role-Playing Games: Art, Inquiry, & Ritual (Bloomsbury, 2025), reflect his deep engagement with game studies and the philosophical dimensions of interactive storytelling. He is also the author of American Pragmatism: An Introduction (Polity Press, 2020).
His research explores the intersections of philosophy, ethics, and gaming culture, with a particular focus on role-playing games as vehicles for philosophical inquiry and ethical reflection. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, including forthcoming articles on Indigenous strategies in RPGs, care ethics in gaming, and William James & Swami Vivekananda’s philosophical convergence.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Spencer is an experienced course designer and instructional technologist, adept at leveraging AI applications, learning management systems, and video conferencing tools to enhance student engagement. He has designed and taught courses on American Philosophy, Environmental Ethics, Military Ethics, and Latinx Philosophy, among others.
Dr. Spencer holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy from Baylor University and a B.A. in English & Philosophy from Georgetown College.
For more information, visit the following links:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albert-spencer-75729120/
PhilPapers: philpeople.org/profiles/albert-spencer
Faculty Page: Portland State University Profile.
PSU Art & Social Practice (Interview): psusocialpractice.org/role-playing-for-life/
“Who Am I? What Do I Believe? And Why Do I Believe It?” (KH Publisher, Co.): youtube.com/watch?v=GV6wGMq3oBg
“Dungeons & Dragons & Philosophy, Part 1” (Anarres Project): youtube.com/watch?v=Nml0Wh_6F3s&t=5s
“Dungeons & Dragons & Philosophy, Part 2” (Anarres Project): youtube.com/watch?v=vdN0Uoj3KE8&t=2s