The Philosophy of Sports Science

The increasing professionalization and commercialization of sport have amplified the role and value of science in enhancing performance, improving measurement accuracy, minimizing risks, enriching spectatorship, and boosting revenue generation. However, these advancements often confront philosophical challenges concerning the essence of sport and physical competition. This book examines key contemporary philosophical issues in the science of sport and exercise, structured into three sections: scientific evidence and causation in sport, the role of technology in officiating, and the influence of science on the construction of sport. By bringing together scholars in the field, the book critically analyzes the values and assumptions underpinning sport and exercise science, addressing fundamental challenges and offering recommendations to refine and advance its practice. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between scientific innovation and the philosophical dimensions of sport.