The compatibility of zero-sum logic and mutualism in sport.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Berg, Adam
- Source
- Journal of the Philosophy of Sport. Nov2018, Vol. 45 Issue 3, p259-278. 20p.
- Subject
- *ZERO sum games
*GAME theory
*SPORTS participation
*ATHLETES
*SPORTS teams
*MUTUALISM
*SPORTS personnel
- Language
- ISSN
- 0094-8705
This essay argues that within competitive sport zero-sum logic and the theory of mutualism are compatible and complementary. Drawing on Robert Simon’s theory of mutualism and Scott Kretchmar’s argument for zero-sum logic, this article shows how athletes can strive for a clear-cut victory and shared benefits such as athletic excellence fully and wholeheartedly at the same time. This paper will also consider how acknowledgment of this dynamic could advance understandings for ethical theories for sport. It will then conclude by describing a subjective approach that will make the affinity of zero-sum logic and mutualism more accessible for sports people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]