# From Sport Psychology to Action Philosophy: Immanuel Kant and the Case of Video Assistant Referees

## TL;DR

This paper explores how Kant's philosophy can help understand the impact of video assistant referees in soccer, balancing technology with tradition.

## Contribution

The paper introduces Kantian ethics as a framework to evaluate the integration of VARs in soccer, emphasizing fairness and human judgment.

## Key findings

- VARs can be ethically justified if they enhance fairness and accuracy in soccer.
- Kantian ethics highlights the need to preserve human judgment alongside technological use.
- The integration of VARs raises questions about the authenticity and emotional value of the game.

## Abstract

The implementation of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) in 2018 has had a significant impact on the multi-billion-dollar soccer industry. As the most popular and watched sport globally, soccer’s financial stakes are high, with clubs, leagues, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans heavily invested in the game. The ongoing debate surrounding the VAR system brings to light the intricate balance between preserving the authenticity of football (soccer) and harnessing technology to improve accuracy. It is crucial to strike the right equilibrium in order to uphold football’s metaphorical power and sustain the timeless joy it has brought to fans throughout generations. In this context, Immanuel Kant’s philosophy can offer valuable insights into the utilization of VARs in soccer. According to Kantian ethics, using VARs can be justified if it serves to enhance fairness and accuracy, aligning with the moral duties of referees. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the potential dehumanizing effects and the necessity of preserving the value of human judgment in the game. Therefore, this paper aims to explore in-depth the intricate dynamics that arise when technology is integrated into traditional practices, emphasizing the significance of critical reflection on the implications of such advancements.