Utilitarian Ethics on the Field- Examining Compensation for College Athletes
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Utilitarian Ethics on the Field: Examining Compensation for College Athletes
Joseph Oglesby
Grand Canyon University
PHI-103: Intro to Philosophy and Ethics
Professor Mason
December 8, 2023
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Utilitarian Ethics on the Field: Examining Compensation for College Athletes
In the ever-changing landscape of college sports, the question of whether college students
should be compensated has emerged as a controversial issue, sparking debates that go far beyond
the field of play. The principles of utilitarianism emphasize the greatest good for the greatest number (Mason, 2023), the application of utilitarianism to the realm of college athletics becomes
a very compelling path for examination. This essay will explore the relationship between utilitarian principles and the compensation of student-athletes, examining the outcomes for all college athletes; diving into the analysis of the overall happiness, fairness, and societal benefits that would come from implementing a fairer system of compensating these hard-working college
athletes. From a utilitarian perspective, compensating college athletes is a morally crucial measure, this is because it aligns with the principle of maximizing overall happiness and well-
being (Mason, 2023). The existing system, where college athletes generate a ton of revenue for revenue for universities and athletic associations without any direct financial compensation, creates a very notable imbalance. Speaking from a utilitarian ethics standpoint one would argue that implementing a more quittable and fair compensation structure is not only ethical but also has great potential to impact the college community as a whole in a positive way (Mason, 2023). “While such changes have increased revenues in the affected programs, the shifting focus on college campuses toward intercollegiate sports has also had implications for academics (Sanderson & Siegfried, 2015); this means that providing fair compensation for these athletes could relieve college athletes of financial burdens which would make them be able to focus on their academic and athletic pursuits. Utilitarianism has its emphasis on the greater good (Mason,
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2023), which would suggest that compensating college athletes would lead to a more just and balanced society.
Individuals who oppose the stance of paying college student-athletes present multiple different arguments root in tradition, financial concerns, and the long-standing unique nature of college sports. One persistent claim is that providing compensation to these student-athletes would compromise the amateurism that has always come with college sports, as these college athletes are considered amateurs participating for fun and love for the game while pursuing an education. Many critics who oppose the view that college athletes should be compensated say that this would only blur the lines between how amateur and professional sports are different. These athletes are separated into different leagues to distinguish the difference between amateur and professional sports, but if these amateurs are getting paid then what makes them amateurs? “Colleges and universities provide an invaluable and vital service to our communities: education.” (Johnson & Acquaviva, 2012), the point that college athletes are already getting paid
with education is made by many critics. According to the NCAA website, “NCAA Divisions I and II schools provide more than $3.6 billion in athletics scholarships annually to more than 180,000 student-athletes.” (NCAA, 2014). These funds from schools are there so students will not have to pay for school because so much of their time is taken up by athletics and academics. Another claim made by critics is it would be beyond difficult to determine how funds are allocated between athletes as different sports generated different amounts of revenue. One final claim that is often made by critics is that college athletics have been around for over a century, and the athletes have never been paid before which means there is a precedent that has been set in the world of collegiate sports that college athletes should not be paid.
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Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based on their overall goodness, maximizing happiness, and maximizing well-being while minimizing suffering
(Mason,2023). This ethical theory holds the idea that the only part of an action that is morally important is the end and that the means are only conducive (Mason, 2023). This perspective advocates for a down-to-earth approach to morality, saying that one should weigh the outcome to
a situation and the solution that maximizes good and minimizes suffering is the most moral solution (Mason, 2023). This can tie into the paying of college athletes because by compensating
student-athletes for the revenue they are bringing in they are increasing good for most people. While some may oppose this view, looking at this issue through a lens of utilitarianism, the bottom line is whether paying these college athletes increases good and decreases distress or not that makes it moral.
By looking through a utilitarian lens, supporting the compensation of college is grounded in the principle of maximizing overall goodness and societal well-being. Providing financial compensation to student-athletes addresses an issue of fairness and equity within college athletics. For generations, college athletes have played a huge role in bringing in significant revenue for universities, yet they are still often left out from sharing these profits “Division I athletics generated $15.8 billion in revenues in 2019, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)” (Zimbalist, 2023). By compensating college athletes, you would get rid of this imbalance and create more overall happiness. Financial compensation for college athletes would get rid of some of the financial hardships that these student-athletes suffer through
because of how little time they have to make money for their education. There is abundant stress that comes along with having to focus on succeeding both in the classroom and on the field of play, and by alleviating the financial burden from these athletes’ shoulders there will be more
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goodness and happiness overall. Another argument to why these athletes should be compensated the implementation of a fair compensation system would create a more positive environment within college sports. This implemented system could destroy the ethical concerns related to universities and athletic associations abusing their power to use athletes for mass revenue which would contribute to a more morally right athletic culture. Overall, under a utilitarian standpoint, financially compensating college athletes aligns with the quest for the greatest overall happiness by addressing fairness, getting rid of financial burdens, and promoting a more ethical college sports environment.
In conclusion, my stance on compensating college athletes, which is influenced by the utilitarian principles of maximizing overall goodness and happiness (Mason,2023), impacts my perspective on this moral issue. By advocating for fair compensation, I agree with a system that gets rid of imbalances, creating more equality withing college athletics. The approach that I stand
with seeks to maximize the overall good by recognizing and validating the significant contributions of student-athletes and pushing for better well-being for them. Essentially my stance on compensating college athletes reflects a utilitarian pursuit of the greatest overall good, emphasizing fairness, well-being, and ethical rightness when analyzing the complex nature of college athletics.
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References
Johnson, D. A., & Acquaviva, J. (2012). Point/counterpoint: paying college athletes. The Sport Journal
, 15
(1).
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A322563607/AONE?
u=canyonuniv&sid=googleScholar&xid=802fa173
Mason, L. (Fall 2023). Topic 6 Handout [PHI-103 Handout]. Grand Canyon University.
Mason, L. (Fall 2023). Normative Systems of Ethics [PHI-103 Class Lecture]. Grand Canyon University.
NCAA (2014, October). Scholarships
. https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/10/6/scholarships.aspx
Sanderson, A. R., & Siegfried, J. J. (2015). The Case for Paying College Athletes.
The Journal of
Economic Perspectives,
29
(1), 115-138. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.29.1.115 Zimbalist, A. (2023, March 19). Analysis: Who is winning in the high-revenue world of college sports?
. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/analysis-who-is-winning-in-the-
high-revenue-world-of-college-sports
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