Kingston Philosophy Café

2012 is upon us and what counts as cheating will once again be topical in the run-up to the London Olympics. Why are streamlined helmets and bikes considered fine in cycling events, but hi-tech non-textile swimsuits banned in swimming events? How is it that sleeping and training at high altitude or simulated high altitude is legitimate, but not "blood doping"? Should "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistoriusbe allowed to compete in the Olympics? Is there such a thing as "technological doping"? And what about "real" doping - why are most performance-enhancing drugs banned, but not caffeine? If athletes can modify their bodies through extreme training, why not through genetic modification?

Is this muddle of definitions and ethics something that a philosophical discussion can untangle?

Bridges café opens just for us from 5.30pm for a 6.00pm prompt start - the evening entrance is from Kingston riverside, between The Gazebo and Bishop Out of Residence pubs.