Abstract
The natural-artificial distinction is not only an abstract metaphysical question dedicated to classifying and differentiating between entities and phenomena that occur in nature from man-made objects. The distinction between the natural and the artificial is central to the philosophy of technology and an interesting heuristic to discuss important notions about the growing process of technologization in sport. For example, if one accepts the natural-artificial distinction, one is against any genetic intervention to improve sports performance because one would consider it unnatural. In this article, I present an argument against the natural-artificial distinction and defend the ethical permissibility of the technologization of sport.
Highlights
The natural-artificial distinction is an old debate
If we translate this thesis to the field of sport, I want to argue that the common intuition about fair play in sport, that the use of certain technologies such as performance enhancing drugs, gene doping or robotic prosthesis are contrary to the sport ethos, is flawed because the underlying argument in support of the intuition fails
I have argued throughout this article that the natural-artificial distinction is a false dichotomy, pseudoproblem or ill-posed distinction and that technology is a dimension of nature rather than an artificial creation of human beings
Summary
The natural-artificial distinction is an old debate. It dates back to the fifth century B.C. For example, Aristotle ’s Physics differentatiated between natural things and artifacts (physis and poiesis) and discuss the notion of craftmanship as an imitation of nature. Aristotle ’s Physics differentatiated between natural things and artifacts (physis and poiesis) and discuss the notion of craftmanship as an imitation of nature It is the first ethical debate in Western philosophy [1] The central thesis of this paper is that the natural-artificial distinction is untenable. The vast majority of readers will find this action justified This action is only justified if you implicitly uphold the belief in the natural-artificial distinction.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
