Athletics and Philosophy in the Ancient World

This book examines the relationship between ancient philosophy and sport as they addressed emerging social questions such as virtue, aristocracy, democracy, justice, and peace.
It was published as a special issue of the Ethics and Sport.

Heather L. Reid is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Her work connects the fields of Ancient Philosophy, Philosophy of Sport, and Ancient Sports History. Her first book, The Philosophical Athlete was inspired by her experience as an elite cyclist.

Introduction Part 1: Athleticism and Aret-: From Aristocracy to Democracy 1. Athletic Heroes 2. Olympia: Running Towards Truth 3. Boxing with Tyrants Part 2: Sport as Training for Virtue in Classical Greek Philosophy 4. Wrestling With Socrates 5. Plato's Gymnasium 6. Aristotle's Pentathlete Part 3: Learning from Watching Ancient Roman Spectacles 7. The Epicurean Spectator 8. Seneca's Gladiators 9. The Circus and the Cosmopolis 10. Conclusion: Implications for Modern Sport