Dr. Miro Cerar:
The Ethical Value of Sport
(An abstract of the presentation for the participants of the 39th Skilex meeting,
Maribor, February 2012)
In order to understand the ethical value of sport we must first explore the difference between
morality, ethics, and law, and then focus our attention primarily on the field of practical
ethics. The latter is split into two parts, one which shows its monistic dimension, and the
other, which is pluralistic in nature. The first one we can call universal ethics, while the other
one is composed of many different particular spheres. Universal ethics is a set of norms
(principles, rules, and guidelines) that are universally valid and applied in all civilizations in
different practical ways. On the other hand, particular ethics are formed, on the basis of
universal ethics, within different professional and other social groups, or within different
kinds of activities. Sport, as one such activity, has developed its own ethical principles and
standards, some of which are generally valid for all sports (e.g. respect toward all competitors,
fair play, and diligence), and some which are specific to different kinds of sports activities
(e.g. a reverse starting order in the second run of skiing competition, as far as such promotes
equal conditions for competitors).
Sport can have a very positive impact on people and society if performed correctly, with
respect to the principle: “A sound mind in a sound/healthy body” (lat. mens sana in corpore
sano). This positive impact is threefold. First of all, sport gives us pleasure. Secondly, it
positively affects our health. Thirdly, it is useful, because it brings us new knowledge and
social contacts, and makes us fit for all other intellectual and physical activities.
Of course, sport can also be detrimental to our minds and bodies and to life in general if done
in an improper way, or if it is abused. The use of prohibited performance enhancing drugs,
various kinds of corruption, a focus on the excessive spectacle, i.e. the “gladiatorial nature of
competitions”, the extreme subordination of the means to the goals, etc. – these and other
negative sides are not only harmful for the actors in sports (the athletes, coaches, fans, private
entrepreneurs in the field of sports, etc.), but also for society in general. At the bottom of such
negative actions and attitudes is a lack of ethics, the influence of which reaches far beyond the
borders of sports, both professional and amateur.
All actors in the field of sport are also an active part of society as a whole, where they play
many other social roles. Among them, the most successful and famous athletes serve as an
example or role model for millions of people around the world. Thus, the ethical value of
sport as publicly presented and performed by its actors is of great significance for all people
who come into contact with these actors or their achievements, or who are personally
involved in some sports activities. Naturally, as noted above, this ethical value can have either
a positive or negative value. This means that the actors in sports, both professionals and
amateurs, bear as such important and far reaching social responsibility. Namely, if they follow
the ethical principles which are an intrinsic part of sport in its original manifestation, as a
noble human activity which develops man’s intellectual and physical health, his sense of
honor, non-materialism, respect, and trust, such actors increase the ethical awareness among
their relatives, friends, co-workers, and all other people they touch in their daily lives. And, of
course, vice versa applies for those who think, feel, or behave in an unethical way.
But why be ethical in a world which is so often apparently unjust? Why should one strive for
ethical values, virtues, and principles if the same are not sought or followed by most, or at
least by a substantial part of the so-called elites of society and many other people? Why is it
really worth being more spiritual (non-materialistic), altruistic, just, and human – in sports
and in everyday life? The answers to these and similar questions will be presented at the end
of the presentation.