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| 1. Walking in cricket--ethical or stupid? |
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| 2. Trouncing and boasting--problematic or just fine? |
Ancient ethics (Plato, Aristotle)
- An athlete or sports organization inspired by ancient ethics will regard virtue as having paramount importance
- But what are the virtues...for us, today?
Utilitarianism--John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
- To figure out what is right and wrong, must consider consequences of action or policy
- The right action is the one that maximizes total good for all affected (i.e. the balance of happiness over misery)
- The right policy is the one that maximizes total good for all affected
- What would a Utilitarian cricket player do in scenario 1?
- What would a Utilitarian soccer player do in scenario 2? To trounce or not to trounce, to boast or not to boast?
Immanuel Kant (1724-1824)
- Ethics is not virtue-base and not consequence based
- It's based on one "super-rule," the Categorical Imperative"
- Categorical means "It applies no matter what, in every circumstances, whatever your goals are"
The Categorical Imperative (two formulations)
Formulation #1. Your code of conduct must always be such that you would and could want everyone to adopt the same code of conduct.
- What is my code of conduct now?
- Would/could I want everyone to adopt the same code of conduct?
Formulation #2. Never treat a person only as a means, but always as an end
- Don't "use" people and don't let others "use" you.
- Treat people with respect, as autonomous beings with basic dignity.
From the super-rule to other rules
- Never lie
- Never steal
- Never break your promises
The Kantian athlete
- The Kantian cricket player
- The Kantian soccer player
- Could you be a Kantian professional wrestler or boxer?
7. Combat sports--especially problematic?
