Citation

Warburton N. J. Med. Ethics 1998; 24(1): 56-60.

Affiliation

Department of Philosophy, Open University, Milton Keynes.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9549684

PMCID

PMC1377433

Abstract

The british Medical Association wants to criminalise all boxing. This article examines the logic of the arguments it uses and finds them wanting. The move from medical evidence about the risk of brain damage to the conclusion that boxing should be banned is not warranted. The BMA's arguments are a combination of inconsistent paternalism and legal moralism. Consistent application of the principles implicit in the BMA's arguments would lead to absurd consequences and to severe limitations being put on individual freedom.

Language: en