Philosophical chemistry: what the alchemy of Gadamer And Aristotle brings to leisure studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this research note I argue that leisure has rarely been studied using hermeneutic philosophy and phenomenology. Yet hermeneutic philosophy offers a richly realised, empathic philosophy of egalitarian communication, anchored in respect and openness. In hermeneutic philosophy language is pre-eminent for expressing the meanings of our life experiences and how we understand them. I suggest that hermeneutic philosophy and phenomenology, entwined with Aristotle’s concept of leisure together forge a potent approach for studying and interpreting leisure meanings. Moreover, it has often been asked whether hewing to Western-centric philosophies in the unfolding of leisure meanings of people of other cultures has relevance or is appropriate. I propose that in holding to Aristotle’s holistic understanding of leisure as essential for human thriving we may come closer to more receptively hearing and understanding the voices of others when they share with us what is fulfilling and meaningful in their leisure. Therefore, I propose that the embrace of leisure as a philosophy of thriving and flourishing, entwined with a hermeneutical phenomenological approach to understanding being through language, affords a heady alchemy of philosophically forged tools for guiding leisure studies in exploring the ontological, lived experiences of leisure.