This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/71562
Description
Title
Comprehending and Evaluating Competition
Author(s)
Coker, John Charles
Issue Date
1986
Department of Study
Philosophy
Discipline
Philosophy
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Philosophy
Abstract
Confusion and disagreement about the nature and value of competition are common.
Chapter 1 both raises problems about and articulates an approach for comprehending and evaluating competition. The approach is to illuminate the field of relations competition inhabits, to distinguish types of competition from each other and from other sorts of relations in the field, and to articulate and apply an evaluative framework to the types of competition and to mixed type relations.
Chapter 2 explicates background conditions for, and articulates criteria for types of, competition. The background conditions (i.e., striving, plurality, sameness of objective, and contact) illuminate a field inhabited by relations of interactive striving for the same objective; competition, rivalry, many sorts of conflict, and cooperation inhabit this field. A circumscribing condition excludes pure games of chance from being competition. Formulations of what is essential to competition in terms of actual, expected, or sought outcomes are criticized. Three types of competition to be investigated are articulated, and three other types are noted.
Chapter 3 explicates and defends criteria for three different types of competition. Oppositional competition involves coded oppositional interaction and is distinguished from conflict; its internal purpose is mutual challenging. Emulative competition involves emulative interaction (i.e., the competitors strive to surpass each other) and is distinguished from rivalry; its internal purpose is mutual spurring. Serial competition involves serial interaction (i.e., a third party mediates the competitors' relation and assesses them on relative merit) and is distinguished from rivalry; its internal purpose is mutual pressuring. Mixed type competitive relations and roughly mixed types involving conflict or rivalry are considered.
Chapter 4 articulates and applies an evaluative framework composed of inquiries into the value of the form (i.e., the internal and external purposes and tenor) of the relation, the value of the activity, and benefits and detriments. Each type of competition has its own ideal and unideal forms and has different requirements and problems of equality and fairness. Mixed and roughly mixed types of relations are also evaluated.
Chapter 5 concludes the essay with criticisms of views about competition in American culture and ideology.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
