Cyborg athletes : A European history of gender, technology and virtue in sports

Sammanfattning: This essay takes its start in a discussion on gender, sports and cyborgs by Swedish philosopher Kutte Jönsson in his book Idrottsfilosofiska introduktioner. I argue that he is wrong in arguing for agnosticism as to what sport is. Instead I give an historic account of what sport is and what values is inherent in our modern conception of sport. According to my account there are at least four distinct European traditions of sport. These are the Greek, Roman, Nordic and British traditions and each have their own history and their own set of values. Based on these traditions and what they have in common I suggest the following definition: sport is a public display of mental and physical discipline corresponding to socially relevant values and includes an element of competition. I then discuss how this definition of sports and the many different, and sometimes conflicting, values inherent in our modern conception of sports, effect the line of reasoning suggested by Jönsson. I conclude that they strengthen his position and that gender separation should in sports should be abolished. I have found that one central value within the field of sport, expression of self, is especially important. I also argue that the same arguments pose a strong challenge for arguments against doping and other technological enhancements in sports.