Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity

As we are increasingly using new technologies to change ourselves beyond therapy and in accordance with our own desires, understanding the challenges of human enhancement has become one of the most urgent topics of the current age. This volume contributes to such an understanding by critically examining the pros and cons of our growing ability to shape human nature through technological advancements. The authors undertake careful analyses of decisive questions that will confront society as enhancement interventions using bio-, info-, neuro- and nanotechnologies become widespread in the years to come. They provide the reader with the conceptual tools necessary to address such questions fruitfully. What makes the book especially attractive is the combination of conceptual, historical and ethical approaches, which makes it highly original. In addition, the well-balanced structure of the volume allows both favourable and critical views to be voiced. Moreover, the work has a crystal clear structure. As a consequence, the book is accessible to a broad academic audience. The issues raised are of interest to a wide reflective public concerned about science and ethics, as well as to students, academics and professionals in areas such as philosophy, applied ethics, bioethics, medicine and health management.

Contenu

Medical Enhancement.- The History of Medical Enhancement: From Restitutio ad Integrum to Transformatio ad Optimum?.- Therapy, Enhancement and Improvement.- Medical Enhancement: A Destination of Technological, not Human, Betterment.- How to Defend Genetic Enhancement.- Posthumanity.- A Critical History of Posthumanism.- Posthumanity, Transhumanism and Human Nature.- Why I Want to be a Posthuman when I Grow Up.- What is the Good of Transhumanism?.- Current Developments.- Cosmetic Surgery.- Decelerating and Arresting Human Aging.- Germline Genetic Modification.- Bioelectronics and Implanted Devices.- Converging NBIC Technologies for Improving Human Performance.