OLYMPIC WAY OF WINNING VERSUS PLATOS VIEW OF SPORTS

Sport, like any other discipline, was included in any scholastic undertaking
during the ancient times as it promoted what was known then as arte or
human excellence. The goal then may be summed up into one word
winning.
It can be argued that it need not be by showing that we value winning
precisely for the virtues associated with it. I then take Plato's traditional parts
of aret: piety, sophrosun, courage and justice and show how they are
manifest in modern athletic ideals of self-knowledge, discipline, courage and
justice. (Reid, h.; sport, education and the meaning of victory; morningside
college) To the extent that scholastic athletic programs develop these
virtues, it may be concluded, their pursuit of winning is not at odds with the
institutional mission of educating students.
Plato used his basic concepts in explaining true wisdom. In explaining his
view about Sport, we may be able to apply his hierarchical division of the
state and human soul and divide this discipline into three parts.
The first part, the lowest as deemed in philosophical thinking, is what may be
called the appetite soul. Here, man develops his person based on the
material things he gains in sport winnings and prizes. The second stage,
corresponding to the second part of the soul, is the emotional soul. Here, the
winnings allow man to seek fulfillment through honor and glory. The third,
which is the highest form of the soul is reasonable soul. Here, man is no
longer concerned with competing with outside elements. It is with his own
self that he competes and attains self- fulfilment.
In relation with the Olympic way of winning, it is always the virtue which we
assume that we develop when we think of the Olympic Games. What the
event, which happens every four years, wishes to convey is that ones true
self is developed and achieved through sportsmanship and thereby attaining
human excellence. It is not only through competition with others that we
reach our goals, but more so with conquering the most important and
highest form of contest, winning against and surpassing self/personal
expectations. What better way to capture the relationship of the Olympics
and Plato to engage in sports, whether within the academic surroundings or
in individual efforts of man.

Jeane Kathleen Kimm Isla-Arcan

SWM131

UNESCO CODE OF SPORTS ETHICS AND SOCIATIC PHILOSOPHY

It is basic in the Code of Sports Ethics to refer to ethical considerations which
lead to fair play, making it an integral, and not optional element, of all sports
activity, sports policy and management, as well as apply to all levels of
ability and commitment, including recreational as well as competitive sport.
The Code provides a sound ethical framework to eliminate the pressures in
modern day society, which appear to be downgrading the traditional
foundations of sport - foundations which were built on fair play and
sportsmanship, virtues which date back to the first Olympics and which was
discussed
by
Plato.
The utmost concern is Fair Play, for children and young people, in the
recognition that these same children and young people of today may be the
same adult participants and sporting stars in the future. The Code further
addresses institutions and adults who have a direct or indirect contact and
intervention in the development on the youths immersion in sports and
sports-related
endeavors/undertakings.
The Code embraces the concepts of the right of children and young people to
participate and enjoy their involvement in sport, and the responsibilities of
the institutions and adults to promote fair play and to ensure that these
rights
are
respected.(http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php)
Fair play is defined beyond the observance of the rules. It utilizes the
concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing within the right
spirit. It is defined as a way of thinking, not just a way of behaving. It
incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of cheating,
gamesmanship, doping, violence (both physical and verbal), the sexual
harassment and abuse of children, young people and women, exploitation,
unequal opportunities, excessive commercialization and corruption.
(http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php)
Now, coming into terms with all these concepts, it is safe to deduce that fair
play and sport are intertwined. Sports is both a social and cultural activity,
thereby employing more of the spirit of fair play. When a sport event is
played and executed fairly, not just by the sport rules but also by human
rules, it gives one a chance to gain self-knowledge, self-expression and selffulfillment. A person acquires an inter-disciplinary development through
involvement in sports and since sports allows one to assume social
responsibility, he becomes responsive to sociatic philosophy. The Code of
Jeane Kathleen Kimm Isla-Arcan
SWM131

Sports Ethics fosters fair play which makes a person aware of his social
responsibility. Once this is developed, it makes growth holistic.

Jeane Kathleen Kimm Isla-Arcan

SWM131