Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sport?
(PhysOrg.com) -- With the World Cup in South Africa underway, Wimbledon beginning next week, and London 2012 drawing ever closer, Oxford Online Debates continue this week with the launch of the latest discussion, 'Performance enhancing drugs should be allowed in sport'.
Speaking for the proposition, Professor Julian Savulescu says: 'Regulated access is better than prohibition. A regulated market would narrow the advantage gap between the cheats and the honest athletes and create a stimulus for the market to produce new, safe performance-enhancers. Limited resources could be better deployed to detect the dangerous drugs.'
Opposing the proposition, Dr John William Devine argues: 'We must fiercely oppose the pernicious effects of doping so we can ensure that what we celebrate in London 2012 are not tainted performances but outstanding displays of authentic sporting excellence.' The debate is being moderated by Professor Roger Crisp.
Each term Oxford's Online Debates give the public an insight into topical controversies from the perspective of academic specialists. Two Oxford academics debate for and against a proposition, moderated by a third academic. The public can follow the developing debate online, posting comments throughout the process and voting at the end. Previous debates have focused on whether the NHS should treat self-inflicted illnesses, and whether the current economic crisis signals the end of laissez faire capitalism.
Professor Julian Savulescu is Uehiro Professor of Practical Ethics. He is Director of the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, of the Program on the Ethics of the New Biosciences within the James Martin 21st Century School, and of the Oxford Centre for Neuroethics.
Dr John William Devine is Co-ordinator of the Oxford Bioethics Network Project, 'Developing a Strategic Plan for Ethics Provision at the University of Oxford', located within the Department of Public Health.
More information:
The Debate can be followed at www.ox.ac.uk/debates .
Provided by University of Oxford
