Performance-enhancing drugs debated

by Tim Pappa
Staff Writer

Most schoolyard disputes can be quickly settled with a fair game of dodge ball. But when the recess bell stops ringing, gab becomes the potion for peace.

Two noted sports philosophers squared off last night for an ethical joust, debating whether athletes using performance-enhancing drugs harm our society and the athletes themselves.

Ohio University Sport Philosophy professor Mark Holowchak and W. Miller Brown, Dean of Faculty at Trinity College in Connecticut, discussed their opposing views for more than an hour before inviting questions from the audience.

Holowchak said all types of drugs should be banned from competition, therefore leveling the playing field - in essence, creating an atmosphere that brings sports to its roots again, letting athletes pursue their passion without the harm of a coercive environment.

Brown said alternatively athletes should be treated as adults, not children. People acknowledge risks every day that could equally be dubbed coercive, but still make individual decisions.

Statements such as these flew back and forth throughout the debate, inciting thoughtful comebacks from both sides.

"Having drugs before you to take is a hard choice, but is it free?" Holowchak said. "No - athletes get wrapped up in their consuming passion of being the best in the world. They think, 'I don't want to take this, but I just want to see.' Then they never know if it's themselves or the drug that is propelling them to success. The important thing in sports is to get the most out of yourself possible."

Holowchak said sport is a social institution and the win-it-all attitude that is so prevalent in the world is creating problems for society. Miller responded differently.

"Sport is not a social institution," Miller said. "You are not purely autonomous. You are the product of a culture, so there is no way you cannot think of an athlete as being embedded in society. You aren't coerced, even though you know the risks. Playing sports can influence you, but to say the United States is radically warped by it is hard to believe."

Both speakers did agree on one key issue –more study these drugs' effects is vital, and if certain drugs can be used to improve performance without harm, then there is a positive gain for all.

Miller said the United States' fear of recreational drugs with negative effects, such as cocaine, alcohol and other abusive substances, have clouded separate issues with sports.

Near the end of the debate, Holowchak said if Miller is correct, society has a deep-rooted problem.

"If sport as a human experience is used with performance enhancing drugs, even in the face of harm, then something is wrong with the notion of sport and human flourishing," Holowchak said.