MACMILLAN Reclaiming Leisure: Art, Sport and Philosophy

Leisure activities account for much of our time - and money. But are contemporary forms of leisure good for us? Are they really leisure? And how much does (and should) leisure matter? Classical philosophers paid attention to these questions. Increasingly, modern philosophers too are realizing the importance of leisure, and of a good leisure/work balance. Hayden Ramsay looks at the meaning of leisure, and the links between recreation, relaxation, virtue, and happiness. By focussing on leisure activities such as sport, travel, music and reading, Ramsay explores the need for good play in a good life. Review '...an exciting and engaging book that...provides an excellent and rare application of sharp philosophical insight into the psychological, moral, and cultural basis of our engagement in Leisure.' - Dr Carwyn Jones, University of Wales Institute Cardiff 'The idea of leisure needs careful philosophical exploration if it is to be saved from trivialization or appropriated as another consumerist value. Hayden Ramsay's book provides just that exploration. He examines the philosophical tradition within which the concept of value has been best developed, and shows how the idea is part of an understanding of the nature and meaning of human action. This is an absorbing and very helpful study.' - John Haldane, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, University of St. Andrews, UK About the Author HAYDEN RAMSAY is Professor of Philosophy at the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, Melbourne. He has taught at the Universities of Edinburgh, Stirling, Melbourne, and La Trobe, and has published books and articles on ethics, history of philosophy, and religion.