Conventionalism defended: a reply to Moore

In a recent article in this Journal, Eric Moore criticized an earlier essay of mine published in this same Journal on two fronts. On the first, he criticized my criticisms of broad internalism for relying on abstract moral principles too far removed from the practice of sport to adjudicate normative conflicts in which disputants cannot agree on what is the purpose of sport. On the second front, he criticized my reliance on what he called Rorty’s “controversial” views of truth and rationality to back up my criticisms of broad internalism. I find both criticisms forceful but not persuasive. In my reply, therefore, I defend both use of Rorty’s and other similar historicist takes on rational justification and my criticisms of broad internalism principles-based approach to normative inquiry in sport.     

Compelled Disclosure of Scientific Research Data

Federal legislation requires that research produced with federal funding be available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act. I raise a concern that this power might be used to harass scientists. The goal of data sharing, however, is important, and should be facilitated through electronic data archiving.