Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport

Should we trust scientific research? Do 'the facts' really speak for themselves? Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport answers these and more in a unique interdisciplinary study that calls on researchers working in sport, exercise and health to reflect critically on the nature and aims of scientific enquiry in these disciplines. The book addresses the underlying assumptions and evelopment of both the very idea of science itself and what shape scientific enquiries ought to take in the fileds of exercise, health and sport. 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 philosophy of science? Are statistics are 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 research? Can scientists make claims without attempting to falsify as well as to confirm their theses? Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport serves notice to sport and health researchers to think philosophically about their subject and its scientific bases. It is essential reading for postgraduate researchers seeking to establish a sound theroretical foundationfor their work.