How the Game of Soccer can Foster Creative Research in Natural Sciences

Abstract

The systems science approach based on exploration of analogies between distinct fields of inquiry can lead to the creation of new interdisciplinary branches of knowledge. In this essay, a series of such analogies between soccer and natural sciences is elaborated with the objective of recognizing the scientific elements intrinsic to the game of soccer and transcribing them to the creative practice of science. The sources of analogies are multifold, involving the tactical setups of the teamwork, the geometry and cybernetic principles governing the coordination of the players, the kinesthetic intelligence thereof and various psychological factors. The essay also intends to inspire the crafters of academic curricula to consider building courses around the intersections of a sport such as soccer and natural sciences so as to promote sportier and more spirited scientific communities. Along with the humanization of sciences via their cross-fertilization with soccer, the enlightenment of the latter profession may also result from this interdisciplinary marriage, so that the animalistic competitiveness in this sport gets suppressed and its artistic elements accentuated. Keywords: Academic culture, analogical reasoning, art, association football, science.