I Shall Feint: Arts of Deception in Sport

Jason Holt

doi:10.58519/5s9jys16

I Shall Feint: Arts of Deception in Sport

Authors

Jason Holt Acadia University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58519/5s9jys16

Keywords:

deception, sport, feinting, cheating

Abstract

The potential influence of deception on the aesthetic value of sport often depends on its ethical profile. Immoral deception (e.g., cheating) diminishes the aesthetic value of sport. Questionable forms (e.g., gamesmanship), undermine aesthetic value in some ways but heighten it in others. By contrast, morally permissible deceptions (e.g., feints) enhance sport’s aesthetic value. This holds especially when effective deception is particularly difficult or notably creative. Cases of individual style shining through in sport are plausible examples of artistic self-expression. This result, as in art, is owing less to the content than the form such expression.

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References

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Published

2026-05-06

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Fresh

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