This is an experimental course that explores themes relating to philosophy of the body. We’ll read and discuss some classic views on the body and the relation between mind and body in the history of Western philosophy, including those of Plato, Descartes, and Merleau-Ponty, and we shall compare and contrast them with several views in Asian philosophies, particularly from the standpoint of Buddhist metaphysics. Major concerns include consideration of the role of practice in the pursuit of insight, and transactional views of consciousness. Throughout, we shall consider these ideas in relation to writings in the philosophy of sport, fueling our reflections along the way with our own experiences with running. Sign up for this class with a sense of adventure and willingness to experiment. Weekly class meetings will include one session of lecturing and discussion and one session of running. Everyone needs a valid Activity Card. All reading assignments will be available through BlackBoard or E-Reserves. Written assignments including weekly blog entries (14 pages total), one short concept paper (3-5 pages), and one longer research paper that integrates the empirical evidence you collect (8 pages). More information is available on the class BlackBoard site, which is now accessible.