Neuro-Doping as a Means to Avert Fascistoid Ideology in Elite Sport

Abstract

Assume that neuro-doping is safe and efficient. This means that the use of it, and similar future safe methods of enhancement in sport, may help those who are naturally weak to catch up with those who are naturally strong and sometimes even defeat them. The rationale behind anti-doping measures seem to presuppose that this is unfair. But the idea that those who are naturally strong should defeat those who are naturally weak rests on a fascistoid ideology that sport had better leave behind. Neuro-doping may be seen as a means to undermine the fascistoid notion of fairness. The conjecture is that, given that society adopts what will be characterized as a policy of biological egalitarianism, this will happen. Then people will compete in society in general and in sport in particular on more equal biological terms. The fascination with natural strength, and the cheering for the winners, can then go away. Instead we see a liberated sport where we take part in it for the sheer fun of doing so. Neuro-doping, and similar techniques, may be a means that helps to liberate elite sport from its perverse view of fairness.

Neuro-doping, tDCS and Chess — are WADA’s Regulations under Threat?

“…Indeed, Tännsjö goes as far as to argue for the idea of 'biological egalitarianism', holding that, if we have the opportunity to level out our skills through the use of neuro-enhancements, we should do so. 240 He holds that WADA has hitherto taken a 'fascistoid ideology' which suggests that those who are naturally stronger should win over those who are weaker and argues that neuro-doping can help 'liberate elite sport from its perverse view of fairness'. 241 Surely, on this account, Tännsjö must be correct -it is not consistent to argue that we should have fair competition whilst at the same time maintaining our commitment to the acceptability of not equalising genetic and economic conditions.…”