Aristotelian view of leisure: an outdoor recreation perspective

Abstract

In recent years interpretations of the classical view of leisure have furnished additional insight for developing an effective modern philosophy of leisure. In many instances, however, Aristotelian conceptions of leisure are poorly understood or misinterpreted, and clearly not utilized in the philosophies of most leisure service delivery organizations. This paper attempts to reveal the potential for practical application of the Aristotelian view of leisure through five key elements of the classical leisure approach. Outdoor recreation is offered as one area which has initiated opportunities for solitude, moderation and reflection superseding the provision of mass recreation. Aristotelian view results in leisure as an activity of the highest order, recreation professionals become social reformers who redesign the delivery system and re-educate the public in order to upgrade the quality of leisure.

Society is organized in a way that even when we have some leisure time, we don't know how to use it to get back in touch with ourselves (Thich Nhat Hanh).