The Humanity of Movement or “It's Not Just a Gym Class”

Abstract

This essay argues that the transition from physical education to Kinesiology involved the development of the kinesiological sciences such that over the last 35 years, the discipline has come to be dominated by a scientific outlook. The incorporation of science is in itself a benefit for the discipline. However, the cost is that the scientizing of the discipline has led to the marginalization of the humanistic features of movement. Thus, the history, philosophy, and literature of sport and movement stand in need of development in the American academy. More importantly, there needs to be a reawakening to the humanistic import of movement itself. So-called “gym classes” are being slowly weeded out of many university programs. The claim is that these need to be retained and strengthened with a focus on the importance of movement in developing our humanity.