Kallinikos: A Dialogue Set in the 20th Century

Abstract

This dialogue assumes that Socrates has reappeared in the 20th century (through a wrinkle in time) and is actively engaged in a discussion with two Greek graduate students in physical education. The coach, Kallinikos (whose name means “glorious victor” in Greek), sheds light on the views on our society toward sport and the importance of winning. Cassandra (named for a prophet in the Trojan War whose prophecies were ignored) is a physical education teacher who aids Socrates in his quest for understanding how the field of “gymnastics” has changed in the past 2,400 years. Within the dialogue, discussion centers around the similarities and differences between coaching as a profession and teaching physical education. Some of the issues encountered include a definition of physical education, the domains involved in coaching and teaching, outcomes of teaching and coaching, the value of sport in society, activity as a form of expression, and a definition of the physically educated student.