The Ethics of Risk Taking

DISCUSSION 6.2 The Ethics of Risk Taking

Snowboarders catapult themselves in the air so high they can grab onto the tops of the highest evergreens on remote mountains.

A young man hurls himself off a skyscraper dressed like a human flying squirrel in an airplane- less skydive.

A team consisting of only one man and 16 dogs braves temperatures of -30 degrees over 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, in order to compete in the Iditarod.

What all of these extreme sports have in common, besides the threat of great danger, is a fascination that draws avid participants, spectators, and sponsors. Watch videos of any of these and other extreme sports, and besides exhilarated faces you may observe sponsor names emblazoned on helmets and uniforms, and crowds of fans urging the athletes to go higher, faster, farther, no matter the consequences.

Even with the evident danger, extreme sports are on the rise for a number of different reasons, as you will read about in your Learning Materials. What is the appeal of these extreme sports when the likelihood of injury or danger is great, and what are the ethical issues related to them? This is the focus of your Discussion.

Instructions

Review the Learning Materials and other credible resources, such as online videos or articles on extreme sporting events such as BASE jumping, mountaineering, high diving, or big wave surfing. Consider the following:

• Why are extreme sports on the rise? • Why are sponsors willing to pay money for the sponsorship despite the dangers? • Who else might be affected when an individual participates in extreme sports? • What are the issues related to accountability for participation in such dangerous

sports?

Post a response to the following:

Explain the ethical issues related to extreme sports. What might be the incentives that outweigh the risks? In your post, include documentation and support for the rationale and concerns of participants and other stakeholders.