Ethical Implications of Enhanced Athletes in Future Sports
Thought
Inner dialog concerning the evolution of sports with enhanced athletes.
Note
Ethical Implications of Enhanced Athletes in Future Sports
Analysis
Integrating advancements in synthetic biology, neuro-linguistic programming, and artificial intelligence with human physiology could lead to the emergence of enhanced athletes. These individuals may have genetically edited traits, cognitive enhancements, or cybernetic implants to improve performance. This thought fits Arthur Koestler’s concept of Bisociation by linking two unrelated matrices – sports and human enhancement technologies – thereby creating a novel synthesis that could redefine athleticism and competition.
The implications are profound. On one hand, there is the potential to push the boundaries of human capability beyond natural limits, contributing to the spectacle and evolution of sports. On the other hand, this raises questions about fairness, the essence of sport, and what it means to be human. This merge of disciplines also demands a reassessment of sports regulations and ethical frameworks to ensure a level playing field and to address concerns associated with bioethics, such as genetic inequality and access to enhancements.
Books
- “Human Frontiers” by Michael Bhaskar – For insights into the limitless potential of human enhancement.
- “Beyond Good and Evil” by Friedrich Nietzsche – Explores morality beyond traditional norms, which parallels the ethical considerations of enhanced athletes.
- “The Art of Creation” by Arthur Koestler – Discusses the bisociative creative process that can be applied to reshaping the future of athletics through technology.
Papers
- “Reward is enough” by David Silver et al. – Highlights how secondary rewards in AI could analogously apply to enhanced athletes seeking rewards beyond typical human capacity.
Tools and Existing Products
- CRISPR-Cas9: A tool for genome editing which could be used for creating enhancements in athletes.
- Neurofeedback Devices: Currently used for cognitive enhancement which could be exploited for improving athletic performance.
Implications for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs in the field could spearhead a new industry around sports technology and enhancement. This would require navigation through uncharted regulatory landscapes, establishing ethical guidelines, and potentially creating new competitive leagues for enhanced athletes. Startups focusing on safe enhancement protocols, performance monitoring, and anti-doping technology would be pivotal.
Mental Models
The concept of enhanced athletes challenges traditional mental models of human limitations and equitable competition. There are models to consider, like the “Slippery Slope,” where small steps towards enhancement could lead to radical, possibly irreversible changes in sports.