Emotions in Sport and Games

Emotions play an important role in sport and games, and this volume brings together experts in the philosophy of sport and emotion to investigate this area. It discusses the role of emotions for participants and spectators, including suffering, shame, anger, anxiety, misery, and hatred, and the issues of collective emotions. It also examines the role of pretence and make-believe in emotional reactions to sport.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Emotions play a significant role in both sports and games, encompassing a wide range of feelings from the exhilaration of victory to the depths of despair and frustration. The emotions experienced during these activities can have a profound impact on both participants and spectators alike, shaping their experiences and attitudes toward the sport or game.

In this comprehensive volume, experts in the philosophy of sport and games come together with experts in the philosophy of emotion to explore the intricate relationship between emotions and sports and games. The book delves into the various roles that emotions play for both participants and spectators, including the experiences of suffering, shame, anger, anxiety, misery, and hatred. It also examines the collective emotions that arise when fans gather to support their teams, such as the shared joy and excitement of a football crowd when their team scores a goal.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of pretence and make-believe in shaping emotional reactions to sports. It questions whether our emotional responses to sports are genuine and authentic or whether they are influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, and personal biases. By examining these issues, the book makes important contributions to both the philosophy of sport and the philosophy of emotions, providing valuable insights for researchers and students in these fields.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the relationship between emotions and sports and games. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. The second chapter explores the role of emotions in sports and games, discussing the ways in which emotions can enhance or detract from the experience of participating or watching. The third chapter examines the experiences of suffering and shame in sports and games, exploring the ways in which these emotions can be both positive and negative for athletes and spectators alike. The fourth chapter explores the role of anger and anxiety in sports and games, discussing the ways in which these emotions can influence performance, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. The fifth chapter examines the collective emotions that arise in sports and games, such as the shared joy and excitement of a football crowd or the tension and anxiety of a close playoff game.

Throughout the book, the authors use a variety of philosophical approaches, including phenomenology, ethics, and cognitive psychology, to explore the complex relationship between emotions and sports and games. They draw on examples from a wide range of sports and games, including football, basketball, tennis, and cricket, to illustrate their points and provide real-world examples of the ways in which emotions can shape our experiences of these activities.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in the fields of philosophy of sport and philosophy of emotions. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the role of emotions in sports and games, offering insights into the experiences of athletes, spectators, and the broader cultural context in which these activities occur. By examining the complex relationship between emotions and sports and games, the book contributes to our understanding of the human experience and the ways in which sports and games can shape our lives and communities.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367616762