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Photo of a cyclist in a red polka dot jersey racing past a cheering crowd on a yellow bicycle.

Sports and games

idea

Physical fatigue is in the brain as much as in the body

The idea of ‘mind over muscle’ is more than motivational rhetoric – exercise science shows how the brain manages fatigue

by David Robson

Photo of hands handling betting tokens, coins and paper slips on a brick surface with grass in background.

Sports and games

idea

For players of fafi, dream interpretation is a vital skill

The fafi lottery game in South Africa requires the careful interpretation of dreams and the waking world around you

by Brittany Birberick

Ancient Greek black-figure pottery showing two warriors grappling on an orange background.

Change and self-development

idea

Philosophy is like athletics – theory must be put into practice

The Stoics approached self-improvement as an athlete approaches sport: the key is to keep practising in the face of failure

by Michael Tremblay

Photo of a woman lying on a bed holding a newborn baby on her chest, both relaxed; soft, warm lighting.

Parenting and families

idea

Philosophy can explain what kind of achievement it is to give birth

Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are physical achievements, like marathon running: give them the same respect, and no more

by Fiona Woollard

Photo of a person jumping over graffiti-covered pavement with protesters in the background holding environmental signs.

Sports and games

idea

Sisyphus, skateboarders, and the value in endless failure

Skateboarders regularly fail at their chosen activity. But that doesn’t make it a meaningless task of Sisyphean proportions

by Andrei A Buckareff

Photo of masked wrestlers in a ring, one in bright red and white, another in gold trousers, with a cheering crowd.

Sports and games

idea

What pro wrestling can teach us about the quest for truth

Pro wrestling, like philosophy, raises questions about appearance and reality: how can we ever know what’s really happening?

by Douglas Edwards

A group of children sitting on a gymnasium floor, holding basketballs, wearing various athletic clothing, and appearing to be in a sports class.

Goals and motivation

idea

Why some teams boost motivation while others totally sap it

Working in a team can inspire striving – or encourage free-riding. What makes a difference is how the teamwork is designed

by Ann-Kathrin Torka, Jens Mazei & Joachim Hüffmeier

Photo of a swimmer with goggles and cap, water droplets visible on skin, seen in profile against a blue background.

Sports and games

idea

Why do so many athletes turn to extreme and unproven remedies?

The widespread use of unproven remedies and products in sport is not only harmful to athletes but also to wider society

by Nick Tiller

Photo of people in hoodies holding flares, surrounded by smoke and red light, conveying intense atmosphere.

Sports and games

idea

Why do hardcore football fans behave like rutting stags?

Sport spectators can let off steam by chanting and group bonding, but why do hardcore football fans turn to real violence?

by Martha Newson

Photo of intense football match action with players crowded near the goal attempting to block or score a goal.

Sports and games

idea

In sport, as in life, tactical fouling is fundamentally wrong

Tactical or professional fouling is a familiar, accepted practice in team sports. But is it ever the right thing to do?

by George Letsas & Saladin Meckled-Garcia

Athlete in black and white kit finishes track race, smiling and pointing. Crowd applauding in the background.

Sports and games

idea

Sport shows how to use performance benchmarks in a positive way

IQ scores and other contextless benchmarks are suffocating and misleading. We should look to sport for a healthier approach

by Leif Weatherby