Ethics (Midterm 3)

Why do we need to look at theories in sport ethics?

Because they are important for analyzing moral dilemmas in sport, they provide structure (right vs. wrong), and they help with developing reasoned arguments

What are the 3 theories of sport ethics?

1. Utilitarianism

2. Deontology

3. Virtue Ethics

What is utilitarianism?

What action will lead to the best overall outcome for the most people

What is another way to say utilitarianism?

Consequentialism

What is the key principle of utilitarianism?

The right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number

Who are the key thinkers of utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill

What major world occurrence took place in 2020?

COVID

What was the ethical dilemma about the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?

Should the Olympic Games go forward despite the global pandemic?

What was the utilitarianism outcome for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

Postponement prioritized the greater good of public safety over individual or organized interests

What were the arguments for the ban of full-contact football from the utilitarianism perspective?

The long-term harm to thousands of athletes outweighs entertainment value

What were the arguments against the ban of full-contact football from a utilitarianism perspective?

The excitement and revenue benefits both fans and organizations

What was the outcome for the ban of full-contact football from a utilitarianism perspective?

Decisions to modify the kickoff rules or limit contact in practice… utilitarian efforts to reduce net harm

What are the strengths of utilitarianism?

It focuses on results and practical outcomes and it is easy to apply in real-world decision-making

What is PED?

Performance enhancing drugs

What are the weaknesses of utilitarianism?

It can justify harming individuals if the majority benefits and it does not always protect minority rights or moral issues

What does deontology say about stealing?

Stealing is always wrong, it violates a moral rule or duty

What is the key principle of deontology?

Morality is based on rules, duties, and obligations - not just outcomes.

Actions are morally right or wrong based on whether they follow a set of rules or principles

Who is the key thinkers of deontology?

Immanuel Kant

What is the question of deontology?

What is my duty? Are my actions consistent with universal moral rules?

What did Colin Kaepernick do?

He took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality

What have Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal done?

They have been praised for calling out points in favour of opponents that the umpire missed

What are the strengths of deontology?

It respects individual rights (integrity, respect, and injustice) and it encourages fairness and moral consistency

What are the weaknesses of deontology?

It can be too rigid, ignores consequences and it may lead to a conflict between duties

What is the murderer at the door example?

You are hiding your friend in your house and there is a murderer at your door asking if your friend is inside. You have 2 duties… not to lie and to protect the innocent, which is a deontological conflict and strict deontology does not say which is more important so you find ways to manipulate what you say in order to uphold the duties

What is the heirarchy of duties?

Some people argue that certain duties are more important than others like saving a life vs. telling the truth

What is FairPlay?

respecting referees, opponents, and the game itself

What does virtue ethics focus on?

Character and moral virtues

What is the core idea of virtue ethics?

The right actions is what a virtuous person (honest, kind, brave…) would do. It is about being a good person, not just following rules or maximizing happiness

What is the question of virtue ethics?

What would a good or virtuous person do?

What are the thoughts on a cookie before dinner based on the 3 theories?

Utilitarianism: would taking the cookie make more people happy than it hurts?

Deontology: there’s a rule- don’t take cookies before dinner,,, so it’s wrong

Virtue Ethics: what would a good or honest person do?

What is virtue ethics about and not about?

It is not about the rules or results, its about developing good characteristics

What does a virtuous person value?

They value honesty, self-control, and respect

What is the key principle of virtue ethics?

It focuses on the character and virtues of the person acting, rather than on the rules or consequences

Who is the key thinker of virtue ethics?

Aristotle

What is the virtue ethics perspective of Simone Biles withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health?

She demonstrated courage, honesty, and self-awareness

The decision was not based on an outcome or the rules

She acted with integrity and care for herself as a role model

Who is Jackie Robinson?

He was the first black MLB player and he was known for “breaking the colour barrier”

What are the strengths of virtue ethics?

It encourages personal growth and moral character and it emphasizes role models and long-term values

What are the weaknesses of virtue ethics?

There are less clear rules for decision making and the definition of “virtue” can vary by culture or person (it is subjective)

What does virtue ethics promote?

Moral development… it builds character with courage, honesty, perseverance, and humility

Who said “L isn’t always a LOSS, it’s a LESSON learned”?

Snoop Dogg

What are the 3 key terms of ethics in sport?

1. Fairness

2. Responsibility

3. Integrity

What happened during the London 2012 Olympics?

8 female badminton players from China, South Korea, and Indonesia were disqualified because they were “Not using one’s best efforts to win a match”

What is fairness it sport about?

It isn’t just about following the rules, it is about upholding the spirit of honest competition

What is integrity about?

It is about being true to the core values of your role and doing the right thing, even if it costs you

What did the badminton players do in terms of integrity?

They betrayed the purpose of the Olympics and performed dishonesty

How do you treat people with fairness?

You treat people equally and justly, without favouritism or discrimination

What does fair treatment help with?

It helps build trust, prevent bias, and form affecting decisions about athlete care, team selection, or access to facilities

Who is Caster Semenya and what happened to her?

She is a female South African Olympic runner who has higher levels of testosterone, so they forced her to take meds that lower her naturally high testosterone

When does sport only work?

Sport only works if participants believe the competition is fair

What does fairness underpin?

Fairness underpins respect between athletes, organizations, officials, and even fans

What happens to sport without fairness?

Without fairness… sport loses its legitimacy

What is responsibility about?

It is about being accountable for one’s actions and fulfilling professional duties

In terms of responsibility, what to professionals have a duty of?

They have a duty to protects clients’ heath and overall well-being, even when it means making unpopular decisions

In endurance sports (wrestling, long-distance running), how do some coaches push athletes to cut weight rapidly?

Through dehydration, extreme dieting, or laxative use

What do sport and kinesiology involve in terms of responsibility?

Sport and kinesiology involve duty of care to protect heath, safety, and well-being

What do coaches, trainers, and athletes all have in terms of responsibility?

Coaches, trainers, and athletes all have ethical responsibilities to follow safety standards and respect opponents

What does responsibility build?

It builds a culture of professionalism and respect both on and off the field

What is integrity about in terms of acting?

It is about acting honestly and consistently with moral principles and ethical principles even when no one is watching

What does integrity ensure?

It ensures that data are reliable and that professional work is trustworthy

What did Eliud Kipchoge do?

In 2019, he ran a marathon in less than 2 hours (1:59:40), but it was unofficial because he had special conditions (rotating pace team and laser pacing system) but they were honest about it

What did Lance Armstrong do?

He won 7 Tour de France titles, but was stripped of them after it was discovered that he had used PEDs and covered it up

What was questioned because of Lance Armstrong?

Integrity of sport and public trust in athletes was questioned due to deception

How must you act with integrity?

You must act honestly and ethically at all times even when it is hard or no one is watching by following moral principles and being truthful in your work

What is sport constantly testing?

Sport constantly tests moral character with the pressure to win, financial incentives, and loyal conflict

What does acting with integrity lead you to do?

Acting with integrity leads you to uphold fairness and responsibility

What does being responsible often require?

Being responsible often requires fair and honest behaviour

Where does fairness look?

Fairness looks outward toward others and systems

What does responsibility do?

Responsibility bridges connecting individual actions to others’ well-being

Where does integrity look?

Integrity looks inward aligning action with values

What does fairness keep sport?

Fairness keeps sport just

How does responsibility keep sport?

Responsibility keeps sport safe and respectful

How does integrity keep sport?

Integrity keeps sport honest and meaningful

What are the 2 decision making models in ethics in sport?

1. Rest’s 4-component model

2. Kidder’s framework

What doe ethical decision making models help with?

They help to ensure decisions are well-reasoned and not just convenient or instinctive

What do ethical decision making models provide?

They provide. structured, consistent approach to making choices

Why are ethical decision making models particularly used?

They are particularly used to reflect core values, promote fairness, and minimize harm

When do we have ethical dilemmas?

During right vs. right situations

What are the 5 reasons ethical decision-making models are used?

1. Clarity and consistency

2. Accountability

3. Guidance in complex situations

4. Promotes ethical culture

5. Reduces harm

How do ethical decision-making models promote clarity and guidance?

Because they reduce bias and subjective judgements

How do ethical decision-making models promote accountability?

Because they afford explanations and justifications (transparency)

How do ethical decision-making models provide guidance in complex situations?

They break down aspects to evaluate consequences, duties, and principles

How do ethical decision-making models promote ethical culture?

They foster integrity and responsibility

How do ethical decision-making models reduce harm?

The models help to identify and prevent actions that could cause harm. Typically, prioritize long-term impacts > short-term gains

Who is the key thinker of Rest’s Four-Component Model?

James Rest

When did James Rest die?

In 1999 at the age of 58

What is the outcome of the Rest’s Model?

To act with moral intent

What does Rest’s Four-Component Model provide?

It provides a foundation for moral reasoning

What are the 4 steps of Ret’s Model?

1. Identification of the ethical dilemma (see the problem… ethical sensitivity)

2. Application of moral judgement (decide what’s right)

3. Engagement or moral motivation (care enough to do it)

4. Acting with moral intent (actually do it)

What must you do when identifying and ethical dilemma?

You must have the ability to see things from the perspective of others

You must have awareness of one’s own values

You must be mindful of other’s values and appreciate multiple points of view

What is moral sensitivity?

The ability to recognize that a situation has moral dimensions

What should you do during the application or moral judgement?

Weigh the options and integrate (formal and informal guidelines and situational context… time-sensitive)

What is moral judgement?

The process of reasoning about what is right or wrong in a situation

What is the engagement of moral motivation about?

Knowing the right thing versus doing the right thing

What shouldn’t happen during the engagement of moral motivation?

Personal interests should not take precedence

What is moral motivation?

Prioritizing moral values over other competing values

What is often the most difficult of the 4 steps in Rest’s Model?

Acting with moral intent

What is moral action anchored in?

Moral action is anchored in choice and character

What is moral implementation?

Having the strength, courage and persistence to carry out the ethical action, even when it is difficult

What does Rest’s Models explain?

It explains how people process moral situations

What does Kidder’s Framework offer?

It offers a concrete decision-making tool to actively resolve dilemmas and it has practical steps