Philosophische Teleologie. Philosophie kan kein Brod backen — aber sie kan uns Gott, Freyheit und Unsterblichkeit verschaffen — welche ist nun practischer Philosophie oder Oeconomie?" Novalis* AbstractIn the tradition of an empirically oriented action theory and von Brentano the sociology of sport as playful competition should contribute to a unified sport science, to sociology proper and it should reflect on its methodology and theory of science. New structuralism (Stegmßüßller, Sneed) is being advocated for theory-building. The basic intentionality in sport is being pursued with von Wright for individual motivation, institutionalized norms, ability and situation. This 'logic of events' suggests only limited uses for causal and teleological argumentation and the figure of practical syllogism as well as intentionality imply a definite linkage to notions of application and practicality in sociology of sport. A number of empirical studies of sport are cited to corroborate the methodological argument for action theory, new structuralism and practical meaning.The sociology of sport, based on an empirically oriented action theory, is a subdiscipline of both sociology and sport science. Of this definition almost all of the terms are questionable in a theory of science understanding. Yet, as stated this definition implies a specific program that is supposed to be in line with both advances in the theory of science and in a modern sociology of sport. Of course, it is taking a position in the realms of action theory, and it understands sport as an activity that is intentional or goal-oriented as an institution.