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Knowing the Score: How Sport teaches us about Philosophy
'A tour de force that provides fresh insight not only into the nature of sport, but cooperation, the mind, altruism, teamwork, leadership, tribalism and ritualism. It's a book that every sports fan should read, and every sports writer should absorb' Matthew Syed
'David Papineau's book is an important contribution to our thinking about sports, society, psychology, and moral philosophy. But it is also much more than that. Gripping from start to finish, it is a terrific read full of humour and good sense. You don't even have to like sports to enjoy it' Ian Buruma
Why do sports competitors choke? How can Roger Federer select which shot to play in 400 milliseconds? Should foreign-born footballers be eligible to play for England? Why do opposing professional cyclists help each other? Why do American and European golfers hate each other? Why does test cricket run in families? Why is punching tolerated in rugby but not in soccer?
These may not look like philosophical questions, but David Papineau shows that under the surface they all raise long-standing philosophical issues. To get to the bottom of these and other sporting puzzles, we need help from metaphysics or ethics, or from the philosophy of mind or political philosophy, as well as numerous other philosophical disciplines.
Knowing the Score will be an entertaining, fact-filled and erudite book that ranges far and wide through the sporting world. As a prominent philosopher who is also an enthusiastic amateur sportsman and omnivorous sports fan, David Papineau is uniquely well-placed to show how philosophy can illuminate sporting issues. By bringing his philosophical expertise to bear, he will add a new dimension to the way we think about sport.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2017
30 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
David Papineau
31 books26 followersDavid Papineau ( born 1947) is a British academic philosopher, born in Como, Italy.[1] He works as Professor of Philosophy of Science at King's College London and the City University of New York Graduate Center having previously taught for several years at Cambridge University where he was a fellow of Robinson College.
Papineau was born in Italy and grew up in Trinidad, England and South Africa.[citation needed] He received a BSc in mathematics from the University of Natal and a BA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Ian Hacking.
He has worked in metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophies of science, mind, and mathematics. His overall stance is naturalist and realist. He is one of the originators of the teleosemantic theory of mental representation, a solution to the problem of intentionality which derives the intentional content of our beliefs from their biological purpose. He is also a defender of the a posteriori physicalist solution to the mind-body problem
Papineau was elected President of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science for 1993–5, of the Mind Association for 2009–10 and of the Aristotelian Society for 2013-4
His latest book Knowing the Score (2017) is written for a general readership, and looks at a number of ways in which sporting issues cast light on long-standing philosophical problems.
Papineau lives in London with his wife, Rose Wild
Papineau was born in Italy and grew up in Trinidad, England and South Africa.[citation needed] He received a BSc in mathematics from the University of Natal and a BA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Ian Hacking.
He has worked in metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophies of science, mind, and mathematics. His overall stance is naturalist and realist. He is one of the originators of the teleosemantic theory of mental representation, a solution to the problem of intentionality which derives the intentional content of our beliefs from their biological purpose. He is also a defender of the a posteriori physicalist solution to the mind-body problem
Papineau was elected President of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science for 1993–5, of the Mind Association for 2009–10 and of the Aristotelian Society for 2013-4
His latest book Knowing the Score (2017) is written for a general readership, and looks at a number of ways in which sporting issues cast light on long-standing philosophical problems.
Papineau lives in London with his wife, Rose Wild
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 14, 2019
As someone heavily involved in sports, as a coach, writer and fan, and as someone with more than a passing interest in philosophy, I had high hopes for "Knowing the Score." In fairness, those hopes were probably unfair, as melding this two disparate fields (at least in the ways they are usually approached) is asking a lot. Too much philosophy, and the fun of sports disappears; too much sports, and the rigor of philosophy gets overlooked.
David Papineau tried to walk a fine line between the two extremes, and didn't really succeed. The analysis of most of the sports was facile, as it almost had to be since American readers have no clue about cricket or rugby and non-Americans know little about baseball and football. A more fruitful course might have been to focus on one sport, but then, which one? This is, after all, a book aimed at a wide audience, and 250 pages focused on soccer, say, wouldn't have worked that well.
Philosophically, Papineau had one really interesting idea -- that there is such a thing as "team reasoning" that is neither individualistic nor altruistic -- but only spent one chapter on it. Otherwise, it was a quick survey (and a well-written one) of some basic issues in sports.
It's probably too much to ask for a book that truly delivers on this topic, though "Knowing the Score" could serve as the textbook for an introductory college course. It also works on a more casual level, probably better for those with a stronger interest in sports than philosophy.
David Papineau tried to walk a fine line between the two extremes, and didn't really succeed. The analysis of most of the sports was facile, as it almost had to be since American readers have no clue about cricket or rugby and non-Americans know little about baseball and football. A more fruitful course might have been to focus on one sport, but then, which one? This is, after all, a book aimed at a wide audience, and 250 pages focused on soccer, say, wouldn't have worked that well.
Philosophically, Papineau had one really interesting idea -- that there is such a thing as "team reasoning" that is neither individualistic nor altruistic -- but only spent one chapter on it. Otherwise, it was a quick survey (and a well-written one) of some basic issues in sports.
It's probably too much to ask for a book that truly delivers on this topic, though "Knowing the Score" could serve as the textbook for an introductory college course. It also works on a more casual level, probably better for those with a stronger interest in sports than philosophy.
May 6, 2017
An interesting concept, I expected more pedantic philosophy and was pleasantly surprised. An obvious knowledge of a wide variety of sports, this is really a discussion of sports from a philosophical perspective, and not a real deep dive into philosophy.
But the perspective allows for an interesting philosophical discussion of sports and competition.
I did find a couple of things in the book that bothered me, such as the characterization of the U.S. as being uninterested in international sports. Perhaps it's correct, but I don't see it from my experience. But those kind of differences doesn't appreciably lower my rating.
It is interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. It's not a quick read, but not one you have to slog through, either. Again I wavered between three stars and four, so it'd probably get a 3.7 or so.
Worth reading, if you have a philosophical interest in sports in general.
But the perspective allows for an interesting philosophical discussion of sports and competition.
I did find a couple of things in the book that bothered me, such as the characterization of the U.S. as being uninterested in international sports. Perhaps it's correct, but I don't see it from my experience. But those kind of differences doesn't appreciably lower my rating.
It is interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. It's not a quick read, but not one you have to slog through, either. Again I wavered between three stars and four, so it'd probably get a 3.7 or so.
Worth reading, if you have a philosophical interest in sports in general.
March 8, 2018
I had three problems with this book. 1. Bragging (about the author's sporting ability). Mostly it's irritating, but at times it's just too much: "I went through a Tetris phase a few years ago. You wouldn’t believe how good I became. By the time I lost interest, the virtual falling blocks I was manipulating were just a blur". Please. 2. It's very readable and clearly written, but there is little philosophy, and the arguments presented aren't that rigorous. I guess it depends on what you're looking for, but the book does not live up to the standards of academic rigour for which the author is known. 3. Cricket. Despite what the author promises in the introduction, there is so much cricket. When it's not cricket, it's baseball. When it's not baseball, it's rugby. My point is, the focus is often so specific that the book can easily become unreadable. It surely is for readers who, like me, don't come from the (ex-)Commonwealth, where these games are popular.
March 1, 2022
Prachtige uitleg van de vele mentale, ethische en maatschappelijke aspecten die komen kijken bij alle facetten van sport. Sommige sporten zeggen me vrij weinig, maar het concept van de yips (darteritis) of sportfamilies blijven erg interessant. Ook heeft Papineau een mooi antwoord op dé maatschappelijke vraag over sport - wat is nou het nut van sport in het grotere geheel van het leven? Papineau zegt dat het belang vooral ligt in de waardering voor fysiek exceptionalisme, maar ook simpelweg het gevoel dat je zelf krijgt bij het beoefenen van sport. De voldoening die je krijgt bij het slaan van een perfect topspin forehand is genoeg om sport een plekje te geven in ons leven, onafhankelijk van welke voordelen er verder aan zitten (carriére, gezondheid, ego etc). Fysieke beoefening van sport is een belangrijke waarde in zichzelf en hoeft niet los te staan van het "echte" leven.
May 21, 2017
I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway --Knowing the Score: What Sports Can Teach Us About Philosophy (And What Philosophy Can Teach Us About Sports) by David Papineau -- What a witty book! This is a perfect "Fathers Day" gift for that intellectual (you know who I'm talking about!) sports fan in your life.
December 27, 2022
It's not just about the sport but it also philosophical. The interesting part is that David compare sport to society which is actually really similar. This book also give us many lesson that sport is not just a game but also something really complex. It's about competition, moral, economy, politic, value, and hysteria surrounding this beautiful sport.
May 15, 2018
Papineau sprints through a variety of relevant topics in sport studies and how philosophers approach these questions. Most of the questions don't matter to me. Some did. So, 2.5 stars. Might be great for someone else.
June 23, 2018
This book was excellent for nearly all of the way except for Papineau's chapter about race in America. He was clearly out of touch with this topic and it showed in his writing and espoused views that were questionable at best
September 14, 2019
Papineau, while quite lettered (King's College London & CUNY), skims glibly over some important issues. I would have preferred a little more thought on some of these deeper ideas. Plus there's too much cricket.
July 19, 2022
A somewhat entertaining read, but nothing special. Turns out, in spite of what the subtitel would suggest, there's not a lot that sport can teach philosophers and even less vice versa. There are parallels and principles which can be found, but this is not deep.
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September 19, 2023read chin. ver.
燒腦老球迷的哲學勝利法 : 熱血看球也要冷研究 : 現代運動比賽的怪邏輯、贏家策略與潛規則 = Knowing the score : what sports can teach us about philosophy (and what philosophy can teach us about sports) / 大衛.帕皮諾(David Papineau)著 ; 王婉卉譯.
燒腦老球迷的哲學勝利法 : 熱血看球也要冷研究 : 現代運動比賽的怪邏輯、贏家策略與潛規則 = Knowing the score : what sports can teach us about philosophy (and what philosophy can teach us about sports) / 大衛.帕皮諾(David Papineau)著 ; 王婉卉譯.
November 7, 2023
Very illuminating perspectives on philosophy in sport (and philosophy in general). Really changed my minds on a few things in an incredibly satisfying way. Very highly recommend for sports fans (participating and spectating).
June 23, 2017
A couple of interesting ideas but there's far too much about the author's own (amateur) sporting prowess. I would have preferred more philosophy and fewer tired anecdotes.
July 10, 2017
Great topic - not well written and explains little.
May 6, 2019
Not as engaging as I thought it would be. Made it about halfway through.
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January 8, 2021Excelente y ameno
October 30, 2022
An enjoyable read, but I was hoping for something a bit deeper
January 6, 2023
Wide ranging and thought provoking discussion about sport from a philosopher’s eyes. What is a team? What is a sport? How do rules compare to fair play? Good book for a book group.
September 11, 2018
In Knowing the Score, David Papineau, a philosophy professor at King’s College London and the City University of New York, brings a serious academic philosophy approach to a wide variety of sports.
On the whole, Papineau displays an impressive breadth of knowledge of sports in addition to his obvious philosophic expertise. He discusses major philosophical issues like philosophy of mind, decision-making, ethics, identity and political philosophy in the context of tennis, soccer, cricket, rugby, baseball, basketball and more. In one chapter, he examines how tennis, cricket and baseball players can react and hit balls in less than half a second. He then applies this planned decision-making approach to situations that demand immediate responses off the court and field. Later, he breaks down written and unwritten rules and fair play in sports and society. Further on, he discusses how sports teams maintain a consistent identity over time and what this fact says about group identities in other fields. Other chapters are devoted to choking, the yips and successful mindsets in general, cycling and cooperation, international competition and national boundaries, and the draft system, free agency and capitalism.
On the whole, Knowing the Score is a fascinating look at the crossover between philosophy and sports. In chapters like “In the Blink of an Eye,” Papineau employs scientific research to explain a variety of phenomenon in sports. He then uses those insights to make valuable contributions to philosophical questions. And chapters like “Mutualism and the Art of Road Cycle Racing” and “Game Theory and Team Reasoning” seem rich enough on their own to provide material for entire books.
If there are negatives to Knowing the Score, they come when Papineau’s writing lists too heavily toward sports or philosophy and neglects the other field. Chapter 6, titled “Cads of the Most Unscrupulous Kidney,” lists myriad historical examples of athletes who have bent the rules of their games without much further comment on the import of rules and rule-skirting in society. And Chapter 13, titled “Race, Ethnicity, and Joining the Club,” uses non-sporting examples like Charlie Chaplin and Rachel Dolezal as much as sporting ones to explore questions of race. This chapter, in particular, does not seem to fit with the rest of the book, in which sports offer valuable philosophical insights that are difficult to observe in other fields.
Those minor complaints aside, Knowing the Score is an engaging and accessible book for sports fans and amateur philosophers alike. Papineau proves himself extremely knowledgeable and well-read in a diverse multitude of sports and branches of philosophy and excels at presenting his surprising insights clearly and concisely.
On the whole, Papineau displays an impressive breadth of knowledge of sports in addition to his obvious philosophic expertise. He discusses major philosophical issues like philosophy of mind, decision-making, ethics, identity and political philosophy in the context of tennis, soccer, cricket, rugby, baseball, basketball and more. In one chapter, he examines how tennis, cricket and baseball players can react and hit balls in less than half a second. He then applies this planned decision-making approach to situations that demand immediate responses off the court and field. Later, he breaks down written and unwritten rules and fair play in sports and society. Further on, he discusses how sports teams maintain a consistent identity over time and what this fact says about group identities in other fields. Other chapters are devoted to choking, the yips and successful mindsets in general, cycling and cooperation, international competition and national boundaries, and the draft system, free agency and capitalism.
On the whole, Knowing the Score is a fascinating look at the crossover between philosophy and sports. In chapters like “In the Blink of an Eye,” Papineau employs scientific research to explain a variety of phenomenon in sports. He then uses those insights to make valuable contributions to philosophical questions. And chapters like “Mutualism and the Art of Road Cycle Racing” and “Game Theory and Team Reasoning” seem rich enough on their own to provide material for entire books.
If there are negatives to Knowing the Score, they come when Papineau’s writing lists too heavily toward sports or philosophy and neglects the other field. Chapter 6, titled “Cads of the Most Unscrupulous Kidney,” lists myriad historical examples of athletes who have bent the rules of their games without much further comment on the import of rules and rule-skirting in society. And Chapter 13, titled “Race, Ethnicity, and Joining the Club,” uses non-sporting examples like Charlie Chaplin and Rachel Dolezal as much as sporting ones to explore questions of race. This chapter, in particular, does not seem to fit with the rest of the book, in which sports offer valuable philosophical insights that are difficult to observe in other fields.
Those minor complaints aside, Knowing the Score is an engaging and accessible book for sports fans and amateur philosophers alike. Papineau proves himself extremely knowledgeable and well-read in a diverse multitude of sports and branches of philosophy and excels at presenting his surprising insights clearly and concisely.
April 26, 2023
Excellent ideas on the human species in Chapter 13. The whole concept of race should be eliminated--we are all simply human!
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December 4, 2017796.01 P217 2017
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews