Exercise Philosophy: A truer meaning
Exercise Philosophy,
Exercise: We can agree for the sake of this article, exercise can be given a rather general meaning. A physical act or series of acts that cause a change either neurologically or physiologically to the athlete.
Philosophy: If we get all formal it is derived from the greek word philosophia (love of wisdom).
For many of us, we have developed a platform or approach to training derived from the marriage of these two definitions.
A love of wisdom in pursuit of physiological and neurological change (albeit progressive change).
So then, why has exercise philosophy become more so doctrine. Less and less are we exposed to discussion, critical and rational argument, and concise presentation of both questions and answers.
More and more we see very decisive beliefs, in which ultimate principles and practices are taught and reinforced. Doctrine creates a divide, a divide between teacher and student, a divide between those who "know" and those who believe.
With doctrine comes the consent to lesser thought and greater obedience.
Doctrine stagnates progress, by eliminating the ability or desire to question. It places figureheads at podiums, and above their audience, it casts out other beliefs as false. We see doctrine remain constant despite the changing world in which it exists.
Does this sound familiar?
Can you name Social Media figureheads, can you match them to very defined beliefs, modalities and methods even?
Can you see a shadow of them in others, a close circle of disciples meant to stand guard to the doctrine?
Critical thinking starts with the ability to question, critically and rationally, it requires first the understanding of the base principles and second the courage to think on your own, the courage to accept that not knowing the answer may truly be the answer itself.
As exact or in exact a science as this all may be in the end, we must be steadfast in our passion and pursuit of knowledge, our unbiased understanding of the nature and evolution of things, and most of all our acceptance that maybe, just maybe, it is not answering the question but asking it where we see our true value.