ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of biomedical technology (BMT) to enhance performance in competitive sport. It examines several approaches to distinguishing between ethically acceptable and ethically unacceptable use of such technologies. The chapter argues that a satisfactory justification of a ban depends upon a clearly articulated normative view of sport. It also discusses traditional arguments supporting restrictions on the use of BMT, based primarily on concerns relating to fairness and health. The chapter explores World Anti-Doping Agency’s normative criterion of ‘the spirit of sport’, two alternative interpretations, one liberal and one restrictive and their implications for the use of BMT. A conventional argument in favour of a ban on certain forms of BMT builds on references to fairness. The chapter reviews ideal-typical understandings of athletic performance and also discusses implications when it comes to the use of BMT. Liberal views on the use of BMT are politically incorrect and rarely expressed by sport leaders and authorities.
