ABSTRACT
Zhuangzi’s. After all James writes, “Of whatever temperament a professional philosopher is,
he tries, when philosophizing, to sink the fact of his temperament,” and a practical mien
indeed underwrites their philosophies (2000, 8); this segues into the second one, as all four
live their philosophical views, that is, their lives exemplify their philosophical commitments
and writings. The opening citation is demonstrative of an underlying attitude to life where
adventurousness and decisive action is central, and where each achieved fulfillment in his
own way; three, by their thick phenomenological descriptions and keen observations,
firmly rooted in experience and a “rational intuition”; and four, by a sophisticated, unchar-
acteristic, and illuminating thinking where the body took centre stage. Their views prove
indispensable for Thick Holism and its emphasis on animation and a mindful corporeality.
Together they form a formidable group to help diagnose the genesis and development of
excellences, integrate body and mind (countering mainstream reductive views of the
mind), and act as inspirational models of thinkers and persons after which we may model
ourselves. Four essays, one devoted to each philosopher, comprise this section. These pro-
vide an overview of key themes pertinent to this inquiry, thus being largely foundational
of ideas that percolate into subsequent discussion. Those dedicated to Ortega and
Zhuangzi are substantially longer. The reason is that their “dark horse” status is more pro-
nounced in sport philosophy, and this redresses matters to some extent. Subsequent
essays in the monograph build on their ideas, and integrate new ones when appropriate.
