Sciences of Movement

Abstract

The word "movement" has been used as the most generic concept to define the center of interest of all scientists working in physical activity and sport. In this paper it is argued that this concept also acts as a metaphor of nature, and that this is why nature is said to be essentially movement. The study of physical activity and sport offers a good example of that conception of nature when scientists analyze the different dynamics -mechanical. Physiologjcal, psychological and sociological that are simultaneously present when an individual plays sport, Psychological events are understood as a kind or type of movement.

Physical activity and sport also serve as examples of the types of scientific activities that can be performed within the general conceptual domain of science. Taking sport as a model of the different activities that can be developed in science in general, a classification of sciences is proposed. The difference between morphological, functional, technological and formal sciences is shown. A particular emphasis is made on the idea of diversity in scientific work due to different goals, methods and theories directly involved in each scientific activity. lt is argued that the recognition of this diversity can produce a better understanding of psychology as a natural science and also a better knowledge and communication between scientists. This conclusion is based on the consideration of each procedure and theory directly involved in a specific dimension of scientific work, and on the neccessity of recognizing of this fact when a scientist talks to or tries to understand another scientist working in a different field of activity.