Ethical Challenges of Cyborgization in Disabled Sports: The Case of Oscar Pistorius

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the ethical issues that may arise from the use of equipment in disability sport and to examine the extent to which technology is necessary for a disabled person to play their sport and when it provides an unfair advantage. This study was designed as a qualitative study. For the research, information was collected and analyzed by scanning documents in the field. Document analysis is a qualitative research method used to rigorously and systematically analyze the content of written documents. Document analysis is a systematic method of examining and evaluating all documents, both printed and electronic materials. Like other methods of qualitative research, document analysis requires the examination and interpretation of data in order to make sense of it, create an understanding of the subject matter and develop empirical knowledge. In disability sport, athletes often rely on some form of equipment to enable and maintain the activities of daily living, including the ability to participate in sport. Determining exactly when technology supports athletic performance and when it alters or distorts it presents a philosophical and ethical dilemma. There is thought to be a fine line between banning augmentative technology because it gives disabled athletes an unfair advantage and promoting their right to access equipment that provides equal opportunities. In summary, prosthetic leg technology has made great strides for amputee athletes and enables many people with disabilities to participate in sport. However, it is difficult for everyone to have access to the same advanced technology. The cost of prosthetic legs can be high and access to this technology can be limited in some countries or regions. For this reason, some athletes have access to advanced technology, while others unfortunately have limited resources. The Oscar Pistorius case, as mentioned earlier, has become a very complex issue. Some people believe that the prosthetic legs have given him an advantage, while others believe the opposite. Therefore, it is felt that more research should be done on the subject and the necessary regulations can be put in place for a fair racing environment. © (2023), (Elite Scientific Publications). All Rights Reserved.