For several decades, doping has been a major issue in the world of sports. The problem is most often debated from an ethical perspective. In contrast, this paper does not discuss whether doping is right or wrong.
Instead, we consider the influence of doping on society, based on the “ranking” function of sport in modern times.
Omura [2004] has pointed out that, through its culture of aggressive competition, sport “agitates” people, while at the same time sport has a “calming” function, by making people aware of the limits of their abilities. However, in the case of top athletes, the “ranking” function of sport is stronger than its “calming” function.
An athlete’s agency and sense of responsibility for the results of his or her own performance is supported by a naive assumption about the dualism between the natural and the artificial, as well as that athlete’s sense of dominion over his or her own body. However, if doping is permitted, the athlete’s responsibility shifts to an external “cause,” which makes it difficult for the “ranking” function of sport to exist.
In recent years genetic doping has subverted the concept of the body as “natural,” and it has strengthened the position of athletes vis-à-vis athletic governing bodies. On the other hand, as the regulation of doping and strength of governing institutions increase, we see athletes losing their sense of responsibility for their own bodies. Overall, rather than seeing an “equilibrium” or “common purpose” between athletes and governing bodies, they are being split into opposing factions. As a result, modern sport loses its “ranking” function for top athletes, and they can no longer recognize their limits.
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