Sport Realism: A Law-Inspired Theory of Sport

Aaron Harper presents a new theory of sport realism that explains how rules, traditions, and officiating decisions define the way sport is played. It accepts that decisions in sport will derive from a variety of reasons and influences, and applies sport realist analysis to philosophical debates and ethical dilemmas in sport.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In his groundbreaking work, "Sport Realism: A Law-Inspired Theory of Sport," Aaron Harper presents a novel and compelling theory of sport that seeks to shed light on the fundamental aspects that shape the way sport is played. Through the lens of legal realism, Harper argues that rules, traditions, and officiating decisions play a pivotal role in determining the nature and outcome of sporting events. By embracing sport realism, Harper proposes that players, coaches, officials, and fans engage in sport with a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks that govern their actions.

One of the key insights of sport realism is that decisions in sport are not solely based on personal preferences or subjective interpretations. Instead, they are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including legal principles, institutional norms, and the broader social context in which sport operates. Harper emphasizes that participants in sport, whether they are players, coaches, officials, or fans, engage in a strategic process of decision-making to predict how officials will make future rulings. This prediction is based on a range of considerations, including past rulings, player behavior, coach strategies, and the specific circumstances of the game.

Sport realism extends beyond the theoretical realm and is applied to a wide range of normative topics in sport. Harper examines philosophical debates and ethical dilemmas that arise in the world of sport, such as the nature of competition, the role of fairness, the use of performance-enhancing drugs, and the issue of cheating. By applying sport realism analysis, Harper offers insightful and practical solutions to these complex issues, promoting a more ethical and responsible approach to sport.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of sport realism. These chapters include investigations into rules disputes, strategic fouls, replay, and makeup calls, as well as the issue of cheating in sport. The numerous examples and case studies throughout the book provide a comprehensive and illuminating study of sport, ranging from professional sports to pick-up games.

Through his innovative and thought-provoking work, Aaron Harper has made a significant contribution to the field of sport studies. Sport realism offers a fresh perspective on the nature of sport, challenging traditional notions of fairness and competitiveness. It provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes of players, coaches, officials, and fans, and offers practical solutions to ethical dilemmas and rules disputes. "Sport Realism: A Law-Inspired Theory of Sport" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of sport and the role that law and ethics play in shaping its outcomes.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 228 x 163 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666920086