Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport

Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport is a unique interdisciplinary study that calls on researchers in these disciplines to reflect more critically on the nature and aims of scientific enquiry. In doing so, the book questions the underlying assumptions and development of science itself. Written by a range of internationally respected philosophers, scientists and social scientists, each chapter addresses a key issue in research methodology. Questions asked by the authors include: - Do natural and social scientists need to understand the philosophy of science? - Are statistics misused in sport and exercise science research? - Is sport science research gender-biased? - How do external and commercial interests skew professional guidelines in health and sport reserach? - Should scientists focus their attention on confirmation of theories, or on attempts to falsify them? Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport serves notice to exercise, health and sport researchers to think more philosophically about their subject and its scientific bases. It is essential reading for postgraduate researchers seeking to establish a sound theoretical foundation for their work.

Mike McNamee is Reader in Philosophy at the Centre for Philosophy, Humanities and Law in Health Care at the University of Wales, Swansea, UK. He is also co-editor of the Routledge series Ethics and Sport.

1. Positivism, Popper and Paradigms: An introductory essay 2. Must scientists think philosophically about science? 3. Can physiology be Popperian and Ethical? 4. How does a 'foundational myth' become sacred and scientific dogma? The case of AV Hill and the 'anaerobiosis controversy'. 5. Why doesn't sports psychology consider Freud? 6. Do statistical methods replace reasoning in exercise science research? 7. What are the limitations of experimental and theoretical approaches in sports biomechanics? 8. Can we trust rehydration research? 9. Is sport and exercise science a man's game? 10. Autoethnography: Self-indulgence or rigorous methodology? 11. Is investigative sociology just investigative journalism? 12. Is research with and on students ethically defensible? Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Metabolic Syndrome: What are the choices for prevention in the 21st century?