In modern sport, it can be said that we sometimes forget this simple rule. We have become prone to cheating, showboating and competing more with the intent of humiliating our opponents than providing friendly competition, all in the name of victory (Fraleigh, 1984, pp. 124). In the eyes of Kant, and those who side with him, this type of behavior goes against the very tenets that make up “friendly” competition. This behavior can serve two purposes. On the one hand, it can drive our opponent to play harder in an attempt to overcome our obvio

us disdain for sportsmanship, in effect increasing the level of competition and therefore, providing a positive byproduct of an otherwise negative act. Or, as is more often the case in modern sport, this behavior can serve to frustrate our opponent, resulting in even poorer performance or, in extreme cases, a physical or verbal altercation (Hyland, 1978, pp. 27).

Kant’s views on morality and ethical conduct, while idealistically admirable, simply have a very small place in modern sport. Kant’s statement, while ideal in its intent, is far too broad and objective to place upon athletic competition, which is subject to differing circumstances and situations. Simply put, if those who invented sport intended for the Golden Rule to be followed, they would have included it in the regulation books.

Kant’s statement, though not originally intended to apply to athletics or physical education, is actually quite fitting when applied to sport, especially in a competitive atmosphere. In so many cases we hear of athletes who want to win at all costs, regardless of the means by which they gain victory. All regards for the opponent, or sportsmanship itself, are thrown away when the win is on the line. Kant’s statement denounces such a perspective. Such a mentality, when weighed against Kant’s words, espouses the use of what most would consider unsportsmanlike tactics as a “means” used for personal gain. In relation to sport, this personal gain can range from a slight advantage over an opponent to an actual victory. But when using these tactics, no regard is given to the opponent’s feelings or well being.

The dilemma when applying Kant’s statement to sport is that

Some topics in this essay:
Immanuel Kant, Green Bay, Sportsmanship Ethics, , kant’s statement, Golden Rule, Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay, modern sport, athletic competition, strategic deception, green bay, advantage opponent, Kathleen Pearson’s, pearson 1973 pp, behavior serve, personal gain, essence kant, kant’s words,