1. Teleological and Deontological Theories of Ethics Section I:
Part B
2. Malloy (2003) The cause of any behavior is a result of
values, purposes, and ethical knowledge or ignorance. These three
components and their interrelation have received relatively little
attention in the debate to improve the state of sport. In other
sectors, such as business, health, and law, the role of ethics has
been much more thoroughly examined WHY?
3. Review and Some New Ethics: what we should do in a situation
Values: provide a background, result from a group, and explain why
we do what we do Values can be: Instrumental: useful in conjunction
with other values Terminal: an end itself Ex: parents value
teamwork in sport (instrumental) b/c it develops social interaction
skills important for their childs career (instrumental), which
leads to a happier life (terminal).
4. Teleological Ethics Greek words: telos (end) and logos
(science) Theory of morality; derives duty or moral obligation from
what is desirable as an end to be achieved Ends-oriented ethical
inquiry Actions are morally good if their outcome is good No harm,
no foul or school budget and sports
5. Teleological Theories Egoism: fulfillment of individualistic
desires What makes you happy? Dont deny ones own interests Players
salaries, where to move a franchise, what to charge for admission
Utilitarianism The only good worth pursuing is pleasure or
happiness Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) tried to qualify
pleasure/happiness
6. More on Utilitarianism Utilitarian- ethical decisions based
on a projected outcome that would bring about the most happiness
for the greatest number of people Exemplified by John Stuart Mills
idea of utility: Some pleasures are superior to others an action is
right providing it maximizes human welfare. Happiness is good,
utilitarianism is democratic Pursue higher pleasures (i.e.
knowledge) Sport example: Title IX correct or incorrect?
7. Teleologies: graphical review
8. A Teleological, Hypothetical Example The United States
reputation in international basketball has declined over recent
years As a result, patriotism (reflected in sport) has also
declined Hypothetically: Carmello Anthony throws an elbow to
prevent a dunk by the Spanish team (which changes momentum). His
foul helped win the game (a means to an end), but was considered
bad, within the context and spirit of the game.
9. Deontological Ethics Ethical theories that maintain the
moral rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its intrinsic
qualities and not on its consequences. Places an emphasis on the
relationship between duty and the morality of human actions.
Focuses on logic and ethics
10. Deon means duty Good things are not done because they
produce good results (teleological ethics). Example: good
sportsmanship after a game. You, theoretically, congratulate
opposing players on their effort and how they played the game. You
dont do this because you want everyone to like you. Other examples
in sport? Duke Lacrosse Sexual Assault Case
11. More Deontological Theories The Golden Rule One of the
oldest ideas Predates Christianity Treat others how you would like
to be treated. Focuses on altruism (selfless actions) Kantian
Ethics 1724-1804 Moral behavior should lead to beneficial
consequences for humanity
12. Kant: Universality Applied to all persons at all times
Based on two accepted moral principles: 1) moral judgments must be
based on universal rules that are applied to all persons equally 2)
people must always be treated with respect Kants categorical
imperatives: duties are independent of consequences
13. Categorical Imperatives Most of us live by rules much of
the time. Hinman, 2006 Some of these are what Kant called
Categorical Imperatives unconditional commands that are binding on
everyone at all times. Example: Always tell the truth
14. Kant: in a nutshell Kant saw that morality must be fair and
evenhanded equality The Kantian path offers a certain kind of moral
safety in an uncertain world. Heavily applied in business ethics
and medical ethics courses How useful is this in the sport
management industry?
15. Deontologies: a graphical review Deontologies Golden Kant
Rule Equality & Categorical Altruism Respect Imperatives
16. Metaethics: the last word! Loosely associated with
deontologies. They explain normative views (which argue what is
good and right) They include: Theories of justice Egalitarianism:
equality and justice Libertarianism: fair rules and procedures How
can Metaethics be applied to sport? MLB payrolls and NFL salary
cap
18. Ethical Relativism Ethical Relativism is provides useful
insights such as: The need for tolerance and understanding The fact
of moral diversity We should not pass judgment on practices in
other cultures when we dont understand them Sometimes reasonable
people may differ on whats morally acceptable
20. Further Thought Lets look at the role that intimidation,
competition, and sportsmanship play in sport. How would
teleologists view: Intimidation Competition sportsmanship Which is
a bigger influence: money or morality? SportBusiness Journal
(2007)