Abstract
This paper tries to illustrate the nature and methodology of analytical philosophy by examining the issue of pain in sport. Firstly, I consider and provide an analysis of a range of pain related concepts, such as hurt, harm, anguish, suffering, discomfort, distress, injury, etc.
I identify one useful distinction (between hurt and harm) and raise one question (is there a necessary relation between pain and injury?). I then apply these insights to intentional pain infliction.
Firstly, I consider the intentional infliction of harm, pain or injury by one athlete on another within the contest itself. (And here I shall develop the important distinction between assertion, aggression and violence, and its link with hurt and harm.) Secondly, I consider issues relating to the self infliction of pain - the responsibility of the athletes themselves for the pain they undergo. Here I consider five factors - acceptance of risk - consent and "volenti non fit injuria", acceptance of injury - stingers and burners, acceptance of training - pain, acceptance of pain culture, sport and sado-masochism I conclude that, even if athletes accept (or even welcome) pain, that is not enough to call them masochists.