Albert Camus is a renowned absurdist philosopher and author who is celebrated for his exploration of the human condition in a somewhat indifferent universe. In his existentialist work "The Myth of Sisyphus," Camus dives into ideas of existentialism, absurdism, and the conflict between the human desire for self-meaning and the inherent meaninglessness of the universe (Aronson, 2022, p. 1). He suggests that people must confront this absurdity and find their own meanings in life despite the existential void many can feel when looking at the grand scheme of life. Camus develops his story by examining the struggle of Sisyphus, condemned to meaninglessly roll a rock uphill for eternity, as a metaphor for the human condition (Aronson, 2022, p. 1). He explores the absurdity of existence through philosophical questions and existential reflection. In light of the social epidemic of sports concussions, one may wonder how Camus would respond to such an issue. Albert Camus would likely see sports concussions as a clear example of human folly, criticizing the sacrifice of your health for fleeting victories that mean nothing in the end. He would emphasize the need to prioritize human well-being over the pursuit of glory and confront the ethical dilemma of risking lives for entertainment and fame.
         Before diving into Camus's hypothetical response to the epidemic of sports concussions, it is important to understand the meaning of absurdism as indicated in his writings. Absurdism states that life is inherently meaningless, and humans are forced to search for meaning in a world without a known purpose. Camus famously proclaimed that the only philosophical question worth addressing is whether to choose life or suicide in the face of the absurd, “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy” (Popova, 2016, p. 1).
        Through an absurdist lens, the epidemic of sports concussions in youth and amateur sports represents a prominent example of the absurdity inherent in human existence. The pursuit of physical prowess and competitive glory in sports often leads athletes to subject themselves to risks that go against rationality. Athletes knowingly expose themselves to the possibility of debilitating head injuries in the pursuit of victory, highlighting the absurd lengths to which humans go in their quest for meaning and fulfillment. Camus would argue that the societal glorification of sports increases this absurdity. Camus says in his book, The Plague, “For who would dare to assert that eternal happiness can compensate for a single moment's human suffering”  (The Plague by Albert Camus, n.d., p. 1). Athletes are hailed as heroes for their physical prowess and ability to endure pain, creating a culture of athletes, coaches, and even spectators that normalizes and even celebrates the sacrifices they make for the sake of competition. In this context, sports concussions among young and old athletes has become a tragic symbol of society's misguided priorities, where the pursuit of fifteen minutes of glory takes precedence over the health and future of an athlete. 
           Camus would likely view the widespread occurrence of sports concussions as a stark reminder of humanity's propensity for self-destructive behavior. In his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," Camus famously depicts the titular figure endlessly pushing a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down, symbolizing the uselessness of some human endeavors (Aronson, 2022, p. 1). Similarly, the cycle of sports concussions, where athletes sustain injuries in pursuit of short lived victories, mirrors Sisyphus's pointless struggle against the absurdity of existence. Camus would criticize the societal indifference towards the irreversible damage caused by repeated sports concussions. In "The Plague," Camus tells the story of the human response to an epidemic, highlighting themes of apathy, denial, and seclusion (Rossi, 1958, p. 1). While today’s society's response to sports concussions often involves coaches downplaying the severity of the injury, prioritizing the grit of an athlete and winning over the well-being of the team. Camus would urge athletes to embrace their humanity, recognizing that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but an essential aspect of the human experience. This indifference reflects humanity's collective refusal to confront the absurdity of its actions, instead opting for ignorance and complacency, as he said himself , “I think according to words and not according to ideas' “ (Aronson, 2022, p. 1).
           From an ethical standpoint, Camus would likely advocate for a reimagination of society's relationship with sports and competition. He would argue that the pursuit of victory at any cost ultimately leads to the perpetuation of absurdity and suffering. Instead, Camus might propose a shift towards a more mindful and compassionate approach to athletics, one that prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of athletes over the pursuit of glory. Central to Camus's beliefs is the ethic of responsibility and solidarity towards others. In "The Rebel," Camus asserts that individuals have a moral obligation to resist injustice and affirm the dignity of every human being, “Why rebel if there is nothing permanent in oneself worth preserving?,” (Popova, 2016, p. 1). Camus's philosophy of revolt suggests that people have a moral need to challenge the absurdity of their situation. In the context of sports concussions, this would entail advocating for systemic reforms to lessen the risk of head injuries and protect the welfare of athletes. He would  likely emphasize the importance of solidarity and compassion towards those who suffer from the long-term consequences of concussions, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE (What Is CTE? N.d., p. 1). Camus would likely urge athletes, coaches, and policymakers to reject the societal trends and demand change in the name of athletes' dignity and integrity. He would encourage coaches and rule makers to recognize their common goals and embrace a shared commitment to protect their athletes. 
            Albert Camus's absurdist philosophy offers a compelling framework for understanding and critiquing the social epidemic of sports concussions. Through his lens, sports concussions emerge as a tragic reminder of humanity's never ending struggle against the absurdity of existence. Camus would likely condemn the societal indifference towards the suffering caused by sports-related head injuries and advocate for a radical change of society's priorities. Camus would advocate for greater awareness and regulation of sports-related head injuries, calling for measures to help mitigate risks and provide adequate support and care for injured athletes. Ultimately, Camus's response to the issue of sports concussions serves as an important reminder of the moral obligation to confront the absurdity of human existence and strive for a more compassionate and ethical society.

 

 

 

 

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References 

                   Aronson, R. (2022). Albert Camus. In E. N. Zalta & U. Nodelman (Eds.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of                                     Philosophy (Winter 2022). Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.                                                                     https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2022/entries/camus/
                 

                   Camus, Albert | internet encyclopedia of philosophy. (n.d.).
                                https://iep.utm.edu/albert-camus/
                 

                    Popova, M. (2016, November 7). Albert Camus on the will to live and the most important question of                                        existence. The Marginalian. https://www.themarginalian.org/2016/11/07/camus-myth-of-                                           sisyphus-suicide/ 
               

                    Popova, M. (2016, November 7). Albert camus on the will to live and the most important question of                                         existence. The Marginalian.

                                  https://www.themarginalian.org/2016/11/07/camus-myth-of-sisyphus-suicide/ 
             

                     Rossi, L. R. (1958). Albert Camus: The plague of absurdity. The Kenyon Review, 20(3), 399–422. Albert                                        Camus: The Plague of Absurdity

                 

                     The plague by Albert Camus. (n.d.).                                                                                                                                                            https://dhspriory.org/kenny/PhilTexts/Camus/Plague/The%20Plague.html
                 

                      What is CTE? | traumatic brain injury | iu school of medicine. (n.d.).                                                                                                 https://medicine.iu.edu/expertise/traumatic-brain-injury/what-is-chronic-                                                                 traumatic-encephalopathy

 

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