Description
What is leisure? How does leisure relate to leading a good life? This critical and intelligent study interrogates the basic principles of leisure and demonstrates the continuing relevance of these questions for our society today. It not only explores the traditional philosophical concepts at the heart of leisure studies, but also pursues new possibilities for reconceptualising leisure that have emerged from recent developments in society, technology and the broader discipline of philosophy itself.
Approaching leisure from a philosophically inquisitive perspective, the book argues that leisure revolves around the pursuit of happiness, human flourishing and well-being, making it both a state of mind and a state of being. Its exploration of the meaning of leisure addresses key issues such as identity, ethics, spirituality, human experience, freedom, technology, embodiment, well-being, the fundamental properties of leisure and the challenge of offering a meaningful definition.
Revitalising the subject of leisure studies with its originality, Philosophy of Leisure: Foundations of the Good Life is fascinating reading for all students and scholars of leisure studies, philosophy, sociology, psychology and ethics.
Table of Contents
Foreword
[Tony Blackshaw]
Introduction
Part I: Leisure Ideas in History
1. Leisure Ideas in History
Intermezzo: The times, they are a changin’
Part II: Foundations of Leisure
2. Leisure and Freedom
3. Leisure and Meaningful Experiences
4. Leisure and Identity
5. Leisure and Ethics
Intermezzo: Leisure, Postmodern Experience and Care
Part III: Future Directions
6. Embodiment and Virtual Leisure
7. Leisure and Spirituality: Fertile new approaches
8. Leisure, Wellbeing and Self-Construal
9. Idealistic Leisure in a Dynamic World
Concluding Thoughts
