Drugs in sport: justifying paternalism on the grounds of harm.

Olivier, Steve

Abstract

The use of drugs by athletes is not a new phenomenon, but in the last decade or so the issue has received much public attention. This has resulted in a renewed focus on the question of whether the use of performance-enhancing substances in sport ought to be prohibited. (We need to be aware of the distinction between the question of whether it is wrong to use performance-enhancing substances in sport, and the question of whether the use of these substances in sport ought to be prohibited. Prohibition does not necessarily follow from "wrongness".) In this paper, I will argue that a certain class of performance-enhancing substances should be banned. In doing this, I shall first define performance-enhancing self-harm and harm to others. The notions of coercion and subtle pressure will be examined, and this will serve as an attempt at justifying paternalism.

Citation

OLIVIER, S. 1996. Drugs in sport: justifying paternalism on the grounds of harm. American journal of sports medicine [online], 24(6 Supplement), pages S43-S45. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659602406S13

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 1996
• Online Publication Date: Nov 1, 1996
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 1996
• Deposit Date: Oct 14, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 14, 2022
• Journal: American journal of sports medicine
• Print ISSN: 0363-5465
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-3365
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 6 Supplement
• Pages: S43-S45
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/036354659602406S13
• Keywords: Drugs and sport; Drugs and athletes; Performance in sport
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1579617