Kant's Moral Law and Fair Play

Abstract

This paper examines the moral implication of fair play in sport through Kant's moral philosophy. Fair play has generally been interpreted as a condition of fairness. However, fair play is deeply related to morality, not the fair conditions of competition. This study discusses that fair play, unlike previous discussions, should be defined as a moral obligation for all sport participants. In order to clarify this, first this paper will review the relationship between fairness and fair play critically, and will explain Kant's moral philosophy through the difference between the hypothetical imperative and the categorical imperative, and finally, will reveal why fair play should be a categorical imperative. Kant says that a human action is morally good, not because it is done from immediate inclination, but because it is done for the sake of duty. According to Kant, moral action is to act according to principles that is not based on instinct desires or interests but based on practical reason. In sports, this principle can be found in fair play, because it is the only motive for all players to consider how should they act. There is no other categorical imperative that must be commanded in sports, except the fair play.