PHILOSOPHICAL AND
SOCIO-
ANTHROPOLOGICAL
FOUNDATIONS OF
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
AND SPORTS
ISUCab-Ced-InM-065
March 15, 2019
Revision: 0
Module 1
Historical Foundations of Physical Education and Sports
Introduction
Today's beliefs and experiences of physical education and sport professionals are influenced by
the history of this field of endeavor. This history is the source of physical education and sport's identity.
In a sense, little basis exists for this professional field, except its past. The experiences of yesteryear help
guide professionals' endeavors today. The only professional maturity is that which is built on the events
of days and years gone by.
The nature of physical education and sport in the United States today has been influenced by
the contributions of many different cultures. The influence exerted by U.S. leaders was also profound.
By knowing the accomplishments of leaders in the past, today's professionals can at- tempt to build on
those accomplishments.
One qualification exists-professionals must use only that from the past which is true, significant,
and applicable to the present and the future. This chapter provides an overview of the history of
physical education and sport from ancient times to recent development. Much can be learned about
physical education and sport from critical analysis of its history.
Learning Outcome
In this module the student should be able to:
Trace the History of physical education and sports from the earliest times to the present.
Explain the contributions of the Athenian Greeks to physical education and sports.
Identify the events that served as catalyst of physical education and sports growth.
Identify some of the outstanding leaders in physical education and sports and their
contributions each made to the field.
Discuss recent developments in physical education and sports.
Differentiate the Ancient Olympics from the Modern Olympics.
ISUCab-Ced-InM-065
March 15, 2019
Revision: 0
Learning Content
Primitive Society
Primitive man moved in order to satisfy a felt need for a necessity. He had to satisfy his hunger
and so he had to search for food. This he did by hunting wild animals in the forest or by fishing along the
rivers and streams. Sometimes, he had to engage in a warfare in order to ensure protection from his
enemies. He had to erect shelter to protect him from adverse elements or a hostile environment.
The physical activities of primitive man were not organized. His motives for physical activity
were mainly to search for good and to protect himself from his enemies. However, his gregarious nature
and his innate drives for mating and propagation give him the desire to dance and play. All this physical
activities of primitive man where very much unorganized.
Man moves according:
To their satisfaction
Needs and necessity
Hunting wild animals
Fishing along the rivers
Sometimes they engage murder for their protection
Dance and play
Sport, games and play
What are the differences among these three terms and/or concepts?
Is there hierarchy among the three concepts?
Play
Not serious
Free activity standing outside ordinary life, may be intense depending on participants
Absorbing
No material interest
Has its own boundaries and/or limitations
Can form social groups
Amusements engaged in freely, for fun, and devoid of constraints
Games
Somewhat more organized than play
Has playful elements
Explicit rules
Boundaries which can be flexible
ISUCab-Ced-InM-065
March 15, 2019
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Sequence of actions that are essentially repeated
Generally rules are agree upon by participants prior to beginning
Usually implying winners and losers, can range from simple diversions to competitions
with significant outcomes governed by rules
Sport
Encompasses all those diversions and physical activities that one does for pleasure
Ancient Oriental Countries
Ancient China
Early period of education included physical activity but it did not last as China took on an
isolationist policy.
Early versions of soccer, wrestling and archery were evident in their history.
Cong-Fu was a program of exercises devoted to prevention of disease through physical
activity.
Dance was popular both for ritual and recreation
India
Indians focus into their religious belief that time. Their religious belief stressed reincarnation of
the soul before being united finally with Brahma, the goal. They believed that to attain this goal was to
concentrate solely on spiritual rather than physical needs. They had to refrain from catering to physical
body and must not enjoy worldly things.
However, there are evidence of participation in physical activities. The history of dance
mentions Hindu dancing as the oldest of organized dancing. Favorite pastime of the people were
throwing balls, dice, tumbling, chariot races, marbles, riding elephants, plowing contests, horse riding,
wresting, swordsmanship, boxing and dancing.
YOGA is a great contribution of India to physical education which is composed of exercises in
posture and regulated breathing. Although this is a religious activity in India, in is being accepted today
as important activity to discipline the mind and body because it involves 84 different positions.
Ancient Near East Countries
Egyptians
They believed in living a full life. A life full of physical activity. The Egyptian young boys were
instructed in the use of various weapons of war, such as the bow and arrow, lance and shield.
They engaged in many sports and gymnastic exercises. While the Egyptian women danced for
royal entertainment.
ISUCab-Ced-InM-065
March 15, 2019
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This was one of the earliest cultures to provide women with equal opportunities.
Education was primarily for occupational reasons such as learning a trade.
Physical Education was of little importance since Egypt was not militarily oriented.
Egyptians enjoyed sports and games and had a great love of dance.
Persia
The main objective of Persia was the building of an empire through military aggression. The
state trained the six- year old in such events as running, slinging, shooting the bow, throwing a javelin,
hunting, and marching. A soldier was trained to endure all sorts of hardships which included travel
without food and clothing. There was no training of the intellect. The program of physical activity was
directed towards the building strength, conquest, and aggrandizement.
ISUCab-Ced-InM-065
March 15, 2019
Revision: 0