Fair Play

"Fair Play" explores broad issues in the philosophy of sport by examining the ethical presuppositions of competitive athletics and their connections to moral and ethical theory. Professor Simon develops a model of athletic competition as a "mutually acceptable quest for excellence," and applies that model to such topics as the emphasis on winning, the conflict between equality and excellence in athletics, the use of performance enhancing drugs, violence, sex equality, and the role of sport in our educational institutions. The discussion of each topic deals with examples from the world of sport and illuminates them in light of philosophical work on such values as fairness, justice, integrity, and respect for rights.

Robert L. Simon is professor of philosophy at Hamilton College.