The Epistemological Crisis in Physical Education: Implications for Teaching Work

This paper analyzes the crisis in Physical Education by considering it historically in relation to the crisis in Modernity itself. Firstly, we highlight the object of conflict between mind and body (reason and sensitivity) by pointing out this dichotomy as the first cause for this crisis. Secondly, we distinguish an "oblatu" from a "transfuga", based on Ricardo Vieira’s considerations, by applying this distinction to the mind/body dichotomy. Thirdly, we emphasize the importance of teaching to a more profound process in a Physical Education teacher’s education. Finally, we present and analyze, based on our academic and professional experiences, examples of real teaching situations and associate them to a lack of epistemological identity affecting the teaching profession, as well as the perspective for an "oblatu" and a "transfuga". We conclude by highlighting challenges that must be overcome by Physical Education teachers in the continuous process of (self) education and insist on the view that a greater understanding of teaching could encourage this process.