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Chapter 13Ethical Considerations in

Exercise Science

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Ethical Consideration in Exercise Science Brief History

The origins of Western Ethical Theory Ancient Greece

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle Examples of ethical questions in the field of

exercise science Treatment of subjects Falsifying results for the purpose of ensuring

publications/ grant funding Development of training methods that are detrimental

to the health of the participant

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Basic Ethics Concepts in Exercise Science Values

Anything an individual assesses to be worthwhile, interesting, excellent, desirable, or important

Principles Universal guides that tell what actions, intentions,

or motives are prohibited Action

The action of an individual is the ultimate statement of ethics

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Basic Ethics Concepts in Exercise Science Morality

The debate over the rightness and wrongness of action

Moral Development Children and adolescents move through distinct

moral stages where different levels of moral judgment can be identified

Kohlberg’s model

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Basic Ethics Concepts in Exercise Science Pre-conventional Conventional Post-conventional

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Basic Ethics Concepts in Exercise Science Social Responsibility

An entity’s obligation, whether it is a state, government, corporation, organization, or individual to act in a manner that recognizes and accepts the consequences of each action and decision it undertakes

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Ethical Theories Teleological Theories Deontological Theories

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Ethical Theories Teleological Theories--Focus on the

consequences or the end to which an action is directed Egoism Utilitarianism Situation Ethics

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Teleological Theories Egoism

The belief that all actions are motivated by selfish interest

Utilitarianism The only moral duty one has is to promote the

greatest amount of happiness The end justifies the means and behavior must be

practical and useful, have utility

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Teleological Theory Situation Ethics

Does not take into account particular circumstances or rules when faced with a moral problem

With every moral situation, there is a blank slate and each case must be viewed independently

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Ethical Theories Deontological Theories

One has a moral obligation to do right without considering the outcome or the consequences of a decision

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Personal vs. Professional Ethics It is extremely important for the exercise

scientist to have a strong personal ethical framework in order to confront the ethical dilemmas that they may encounter

Must be cautious to avoid unethical behavior

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Professional Code of Ethics What is deemed appropriate or ethical

behavior in a given profession or organization is defined in a code of ethics

Kultgen identified four basic elements that will comprise a code of ethics: An ethical code Model Laws Basic Ideals Rationale

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Effective Professional Codes of Ethics Seven characteristics

Content and quality of codes covers important ethical issues clearly

Protective of the public interest and interest of individuals served by that profession

Members of the profession must be familiar with the code of ethics and its contents

Specific and honest Enforceable and policed Revised periodically Must be regulative to be effective

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Applied Ethics in Exercise Science Research

Ethics play an important role in research. Endeavors are based on trust and are grounded in values such as integrity, honesty, and respect for intellectual achievement

Conduct of Research Institutional Review Boards (IRB)

Offer protection to human subjects through the evaluation and approval of research methods

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Conduct of Research

“The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research” Respect for persons Beneficence Justice

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Conduct of Research The Nuremberg Code

International standard for the moral and ethical obligations in working with human subjects Consent is voluntary Results must be beneficial to society The study must have as its foundation the result of

animal experiments Must avoid all unnecessary physical and mental

injury/ suffering

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Conduct of Research The Nuremberg Code

No experiment shall be conducted if it is believed that death or disabling injury could occur

The degree of risk should not exceed the humanitarian importance of the problem being addressed

Adequate facilities and preparation should be used

Only scientifically qualified persons should conduct the experiment

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Conduct of Research The Declaration of Helsinki

Addresses issues related to a surrogate giving permission to a potential subject who is incapable of consenting

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Conflicts of Interest Whenever a personal interest or a role

obligation conflicts with an obligation to uphold another party’s interest Examples:

Financial reward Desire for personal recognition Desire to do the right thing

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Professional Situations Olympic Movement

Amateur athletes accepting endorsement money Use of performance enhancing drugs International Olympic Committee (IOC) members

being bribed to vote for a particular city to host the games

Countries using the games to promote a political agenda

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Professional Situations Performance Enhancement and Doping

Doping-- the use of performance enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids

There is a deeply held belief that athletes’ use of banned substances threatens the very essence of sport (Wilson and Derse, 2001)

Ex: Olympic track athletes, Tour de France Justin Gatlin Marion Jones Floyd Landis