A Næssian Approach to Physical Education: What a Pedagogical Approach Based on the Philosophy of Arne Næss Could Look Like

Physical education is often criticized for relying on repetitive sport-based activities while neglecting broader educational aims such as personal development, conflict resolution, and sustainability. In response, this paper outlines a pedagogical approach inspired by the philosophy of Arne Næss. Drawing on principles from deep ecology and Næss’s personal approach to movement, the approach emphasizes four key tenets: redefining competition as a collaborative process, valuing movement for its intrinsic qualities, cultivating emotional control and empathy, and engaging with risk as a means of personal growth. Rather than proposing a fixed model, it offers a flexible framework that prioritizes process, reflection, and meaningful engagement. While not without practical limitations, the approach suggests how physical education might be reoriented toward simplicity, sustainability, and self-realization, providing an alternative to more performance-driven traditions.