Towards a Sustainable Philosophy of Endurance Sport : Cycling for Life

This book provides new perspectives on endurance sport and how it contributes to a good and sustainable life in times of climate change, ecological disruption and inconvenient truths. It builds on a continental philosophical tradition, i.e. the philosophy of among others Peter Sloterdijk, but also on “ecosophy” and American pragmatism to explore the idea of sport as a voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles. Since ancient times, human beings have been involved in practices of the Self in order to work on themselves and improve themselves, for instance by strengthening their physical condition and performance through sport. In the contemporary world, millions of individuals engage in endurance sports such as running, swimming and cycling, to get or keep themselves in shape. This study focuses on the ethical dimension of long-distance sport, notably cycling, as a way to become better citizens, but also to contribute to a more sustainable society and healthier planet. Dominant world-views are challenged and an alternative vision is presented. Discourse analysis and conceptual analysis are combined with phenomenology and self-observations of a dedicated practitioner of endurance sport. This book is a great source for philosophers, sport philosophers, environmental philosophers, sport scientists, policy makers, sport journalists, and endurance sport practitioners. Front Matter ....Pages i-x Prologue: The Good Life, Asceticism and Sustainable Cycling (Ron Welters)....Pages 1-20 Sport and the Environment: Considering Sustainable Thoughts (Ron Welters)....Pages 21-46 Answering Three Ecosophical Questions: Asceticism (Ron Welters)....Pages 47-66 Metabletics of Spinal Sport: When Poion Meets Poson (Ron Welters)....Pages 67-101 Ascetic Practices, Hermeneutical Cycles and Ecosophical Endurance (Ron Welters)....Pages 103-120 Continental Pragmatism: Enduring Life in the Strenuous Mood (Ron Welters)....Pages 121-141 On Agon and Ecosophical Endurance: Finding Your Own Pace (Ron Welters)....Pages 143-169 Epilogue: Turning in the Widening Gyre (Ron Welters)....Pages 171-194 Back Matter ....Pages 195-195