ABSTRACT
Previous chapters have argued that there are a number of sporting and nonsporting ethical issues arising from the use of genetic modification in sport. Initially, it was suggested that these ethical issues might be framed by concepts employed within medical ethics, such as autonomy and human dignity. This way of theorising the ethical implications of genetics in sport is strengthened when recognising that genetic technology is heavily reliant upon what is considered to be the proper role of medicine. These concepts have been questioned and challenged by suggesting that a concern for autonomy and dignity is more accurately a concern for personhood and identity. Still, relying upon the importance of autonomy, as is also the case in medical ethics and bioethics, it is necessary for ethical discussions to acknowledge the moral agency of athletes as a salient characteristic of what matters in sport. Indeed, this should be the point of departure for an ethical view of sport. This permits athletes to question their relationship to technology in their sporting practices and legitimately select genetic modification and other enhancements as a process of self-realisation.
