The Ethics of Sport

Robert Simon’s The Ethics of Sport raises serious questions about honesty, fairness, expectations of excellence, the value of competition, and the role of sports in contemporary society. Simon treats these issues and many more in a manner that is carefully balanced and illuminating of issues far beyond sports themselves.” –Leslie P. Francis, Distinguished Professor of Law and Philosophy, Alfred C. Emery Professor of Law, andAssociate Dean for Faculty Research and Development in the College of Law, University of Utah”An easy-to-read analysis of ethics by one of the world’s most highly respected sport philosophers. Simon employs a question-and-answer, conversational format, one that is peppered with interesting anecdotes. A must read for anyone interested in sport ethics. An important book that plumbs the depths of complex sport ethics questions and relates answers to everyday concerns about values, justice, and fair play. Simon puts to rest, once and for all, any claimsthat sport is a trivial or otherwise uninteresting phenomenon.” –Scott Kretchmar, The Pennsylvania State University”As someone who often has to figure out what’s right and wrong in sports, it’s comforting to have a bible to offer me guidance. That good book - great book, really - is Bob Simon’s The Ethics of Sport: What Everyone Needs to Know. Whether he’s addressing the issues involved in the body politic of athletics, or the human body itself, Professor Simon conducts the class that every sports fan, executive and athlete should audit.” –SteveWulf, Senior Writer, ESPN”The fact that simon is able to draw some examples from his own experience coaching an NCAA Division III golf team lends the discussion a sense of authenticity that will win Simon credibility with readers. [He] is judicious and fair-minded in his presentation of a range of conflicting views.” - Journal of the Philosophy of Sport

Robert L. Simon is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Hamilton College. He has written widely on ethical issues is sports as well as on topics in political and social philosophy. He is a past president of the International Association for the Philosophy of Sport and a recipient of its Distinguished Scholar award. He also was head golf coach for 14 years at Hamilton College and his teams participated in national championships.