Phenomenology and Philosophy of Stayer Running (review of Tapio Koski's monograph "Phenomenology and Philosophy of Running. The versatility of long-distance running")

Abstract

The review of the monograph of the Finnish philosopher Tapio Koski "Phenomenology and Philosophy of Running", which has not been introduced into the sphere of domestic research of the philosophy of sports, is presented. The versatility of long-distance running" (2015). The subject of T. Koski's research is existential experiences based on the ontic contact of the body and the world. The author raises the question of how, with the help of stayer running, a person can explore and use his spiritual and physical potential, making his way to the authentic self. The ways of describing the running experience for T. Koski are the phenomenology of the body of M. Merleau-Ponty and the fundamental ontology of M. Heidegger, as well as some concepts of Eastern philosophy aimed at achieving the bodily and spiritual integrity of a person. T. Koski justifies the significance of running experiences for a person by the fact that they reveal some aspects of her being that are not presented to the "pure" consciousness that ignores bodily experience. These include "empirical cores", on the basis of which Dasein can realize its capabilities: the elimination of conflict between subject and object; pacification; full presence in the present; a sense of the power of life, "enlightenment", etc. Thanks to the running actualization, the "empirical cores" allow us to hear the "call of conscience" addressed to us and intuitively perceived, directing the individual to his own path of life. Around these "cores" other experiences are organized, channeling a person's life to authenticity and harmony with the world, on their basis the social being of the individual is carried out, which is why T. Koski considers them to have a fundamental ethical nature. The Finnish philosopher sees the significance of his research in the intensification of the study of the cultural content of running practices and the substantiation of the metaphysical components of stayer running, which can help to comprehend existentially important experiences for a "person running" and better understand the goals of his existence.