Children Out of Wedlock

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the morality of athletes and sports players having children out of wedlock. It explains that such behavior has negative effects not only on the athlete and team, but also on the child. In particular, the paper looks at this issue from the point of view of paternity cases that are brought against the athlete. The paper uses Kantian morality to suggest that by having children out of wedlock, the athlete is not making a moral decision.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Athletes and Children Out of Wedlock
Out of Wedlock Children by Athletes, A Reflection of Society?
Effects of Out of Wedlock Children by Athletes
A Kantian Moral Perspective Regarding Out of Wedlock Children by Athletes
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"One has to also consider the effect on the players' teammates, when considering the morality of their actions. Professional sports players, such as those on basketball, baseball, or football teams, are not individual sportsmen, but instead a part of a highly integrated team. One way to look at the moral implications is to consider that the player has used their status as a teammate as a means to an end. They have purposely used this status to attract women and garner sexual gratification, without thought of consequence. In addition, if the players were to think of their teammates as an end, rather than a means, they would be forced to consider their best interests, including the effective functioning of the team, and by Kant's process be forced to forego their selfish desire for momentary sexual gratification and look out for the best interests of the team, understanding that future challenges that could occur with situations such as paternity suits, would have a negative impact on the team."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chan, S. "The Confucian Notion of Jing." Philosophy East and West 56(2) Apr. 2006: pp. 229-253. Academic OneFile database. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.
• Crane, P. "This Week's SI: An Inside Look." Sports Illustrated. 29 Apr. 1998. Sports Illustrated. December 5, 2006 <http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/1998/weekly/980504/insidelook.html>.
• May, L., Collins-Chobanian, S., & Wong, K. Applied Ethics: A Multicultural Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2005.
• Rachels, J. & Rachels, S. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. Columbus, OH: McGraw Hill, 2006.
• Sussman, D. "The Authority of Humanity." Ethics 113(2) Jan. 2003: pp. 350-367. Academic OneFile database. Thomson Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. December 5, 2006 <http://find.galegroup.com>.

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