Joe calls ___________ 'the single greatest trait that separates us from other animals.'

• A. Courage
• B. Patience
• C. Empathy
• D. Honesty

Answer: (C)

Empathy is the ability to understand and share what another person is feeling. In ethics in sport, this capacity is central because it helps players, coaches, officials, and supporters consider how actions affect others—teammates, opponents, spectators, and staff—and makes fair, respectful decisions more likely. When you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you’re better at handling conflicts, supporting teammates after a tough call, and promoting inclusive, safe environments. Courage, patience, and honesty are valuable virtues in sport, but they don’t inherently capture the interpersonal understanding that empathy provides. Courage is about facing risk, patience about waiting calmly, and honesty about truth-telling; empathy uniquely links moral judgment to the feelings and perspectives of others.