Abstract

Olympism is said to be a philosophy of life blending sport, education, and culture. It seems that under the philosophy of Olympism, doping, including genetic manipulation, should be sanctioned in order to continue pushing the limits of athletic achievement. Mike McNamee, professor of applied ethics at Swansea University, argues that the concept of limits, informed both by Olympism and human nature, ought to provide a structure within which athletic excellence is admired both technically and ethically and that unfettered pursuit of athletic enhancement should be limited by an appreciation for the nature and value of the "spirit of sport."