Question
Paul Cougar Rambis is an Iraqi War veteran who lost a leg in combat. Before entering the military, he was a fairly accomplished golfer and
Paul "Cougar" Rambis is an Iraqi War veteran who lost a leg in combat. Before entering the military, he was a fairly accomplished golfer and had planned to "turn professional" after completing his tour of duty in the U.S. Army. Initially, his dreams seemed shattered when he was severely wounded by an explosive device he encountered while on a routine patrol. But, then, Cougar learned that a new kind of bionic leg had recently been developed and that he was at the top of the list to receive one of these remarkable limbs. When Cougar returned home (with his new "leg" in place), he resumed his golfing activities. But when he wished to declare himself a professional golfer, Cougar was informed that he would be unable to participate in professional golf competitions because of his artificial leg. However, Cougar responded that his new leg, though artificial, was a natural replacement for his original (biological or natural) leg and that, as such, it did not enhance his ability to swing a golf club or to endure the rigors associated with walking through the typical 18hole golf course. The professional golf association responded that their policy is (and always has been) that no one with an artificial limb (or prosthetic device of any kind) is eligible to compete professionally under their rules. Does this policy still seem appropriate, in light of contemporary technologybased remedies available for people like Cougar? Recall the distinction we drew (in Section11.3.3) between "therapeutic" and "enhancement" implants. If Cougar's artificial leg qualifies as a therapeutic device, that is, by simply restoring his body functions to "normal," should Cougar be allowed to compete as a professional golfer? On the other hand, if that "leg" does not injure as easily, and does not age in the way that natural legs do, is Cougar's new leg merely a "therapeutic" replacement? In other words, does it enhance his ability to compete, even if only minimally? What would you decide in this case if you were a member of the governing board of the Professional Golfers' Association?
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