In mere decades, mixed martial arts (MMA) has exploded as a worldwide phenomenon, a sport as controversial as it is compelling, one that demands serious philosophical attention. Abstracts are sought for a prospective anthology on the philosophical significance of MMA.
Possible topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Is MMA a true martial art?
- MMA vs. traditional martial arts and combat sports
- MMA epistemology: the nature of know-how
- Tournament of techniques: strikers vs. grapplers, cage vs. street
- MMA as illustrating philosophical theories
- Philosophically useful case studies: GSP, Ronda Rousey, BJ Penn, etc.
- Is it immoral to participate in or watch MMA and other violent sports?
- Ethical/legal dimensions of MMA (consent, legal moralism, paternalism, etc.)
- Respect, gamesmanship, and cheating in MMA
- Performance-enhancing drugs in MMA
- MMA and gender
- Beauty and ugliness in MMA
- Is MMA an art form?
An editor at Routledge has expressed interest in receiving a full proposal, to be submitted once abstracts have been finalized.
Initial submission should include an abstract (150-250 words) and CV, sent to both Jason Holt (jason.holt@acadiau.ca) and Marc Ramsay (marc.ramsay@acadiau.ca) by 15 January 2020.
Timeline
- Deadline for abstract/CV: 15 January 2020
- Notification of abstract status: 30 January 2020
- First draft: 1 June 2020
- Final draft: 1 September 2020
(NB: Abstract acceptance does not by itself guarantee acceptance of the full paper.)
Prof. Jason Holt
School of Kinesiology
Acadia University
550 Main St., Wolfville, NS
B4P 2R6 Canada
Website: https://kinesiology.acadiau.ca/faculty-staff/jason-holt.html
