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exercises from their standpoint and thereby strengthen the belief in an
independent science of physical education within the realm of physical
education teachers. Especially the pedagogues must be mentioned, who
are closely connected with physical education because of their being
occupied with education themselves, the psychologists, who rightly
realized the social values of physical education, the antropologists, the
folklorists, and many more. The medical science, which by its nature
is connected with physical exercises must not be forgotten. Physicians
have always proclaimed the immense importance of physical exercises
for the preservation of health. Physical education teachers are conscious
of the fact that only a close cooperation with the representatives of the
sciences of man can create and consolidate a new science of physical
education.
THE THEORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Above all, modern physical education is characterized by its extensive
theory. Experience alone no longer suffices today. The theory of
physical education comprises the following fields:
1. THE HISTORY of physical education, which in our time is exami
ned and presented anew. Modern historical inquiry goes beyond a mere
enumeration of events. It investigates the question "why" and draws
comparisons. The history of physical education has a place in the hi
story of civilization.From the works published in various languages and
representing the complete history of physical education, special attent
ion must be called to a work by "the greatest physical education teach
er of our time", Dr. Carl DIEM (who died in Cologne Dec. 17, 1962):
«THE WORLD'S HISTORY OP SPORT AND PSYSICAL EDUCATION». It
indica
tes the particularities of physical education of the individual peoples
as well as that which is common to all nations and countries.
2. The ONTOLOGY, the THEORY OF THE VALUES of physical edu
cation. It discloses the meaning, the essence, the spiritual and interior
values of physical education; it gives a basis for the idea of physical
education and elaborates the theory of physical education. The on
tology will also comprise phenomenology, philosophy, phsychology,
sociology and pedagogy. Useful standard editions in all the world
languages are at everyone's disposal. A comparative inspection of these
works would be worth the trouble and deepen the theory of physical
education.
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