Soccer and Philosophy: Beautiful Thoughts on the Beautiful Game

Description

This collection of incisive articles gives a leading team of international philosophers a free kick toward exploring the complex and often hidden contours of the world of soccer. What does it really mean to be a fan (and why should we count Aristotle as one)? Why do great players such as Cristiano Ronaldo count as great artists (up there alongside Picasso, one author argues)? From the ethics of refereeing to the metaphysics of bent (like Beckham) space-time, this book shows soccer fans and philosophy buffs alike new ways to appreciate and understand the world's favorite sport.

Ted Richards teaches at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

"A soccer book like no other! At last we know which team Nietzsche would have supported, and why people care so much about the sport. This books is a delight, and it taught me more philosophy than I learned in my entire time at university." --SIMON KUPER, co-author of Soccernomics "Soccer and Philosophy captures the essence of our wonderful sport, its transcendental qualitites, and explains why we care so deeply and maddeningly about twenty-two players and a ball." --STEVEN GOFF, Washington Post "A fascinating and insightful read for thoughtful fans of the Beautiful Game. If you want to delve deeper into the inner workings of the world's most popular sprot, Soccer and Philosophy is a must have." --NICK WEBSTER, commentator for Fox Soccer Channel and host of Fox Football Fone-In "This volume will be enjoyed by those who have a passion for philosophy or football or both. Its distinctions and judgments will also be argued with endlessly. I got a great kick out of Soccer and Philosophy." --ERIC SCHLIESSER, support of AFC Ajax and Holland, and Professor of Philosophy, Ghent University "Soccer and Philosophy is a passionate exploration of the meaning of soccer seen through the eyes of some of the greatest thinkers. Whether you're a player, a coach, a soccer mom, a referee, or a fan, this is a must read book." --ETHAN ZOHN, Winner of Survivor: Africa and co-founder of Grassroots Soccer "Ted Richards, the Special One of philosophy, has assembled a dream team for this volume. Combining the defensive tenacity of the Italians with the precision teamwork of the Germans and the individual brilliance of the Brazilians, the authors offer total philosophy. Soccer and Philosophy is the best thinking person's guide to the Beautiful Game." --ALAN RICHARDSON, Stoke City supporter and Professor of Philosophy, University of British Columbia "What does Plato have to do with Pele? How is Ronaldo like Picasso? What makes a team truly great? Soccer and Philosophy will help you understand and enjoy the sport in deeper ways, whether you're a causual fan or a true futbol fanatic." --MICHAEL W. AUSTIN, Kansas City Wizards fan and editor of Football and Philosophy: Going Deep From the Wall Street Journal: "... inspired ... delightfully instructive ... a surprising colleciton of essays on the Beautiful Game, written by soccer-loving loonies who are real-life philosophers ... there is something for everyone in this witty and scholarly book."--John Heilpern