Transhumanism, medical technology and slippery slopes.
In this article, transhumanism is considered to be a quasi-medical ideology that seeks to promote a variety of therapeutic and human-enhancing aims. Moderate conceptions are distinguished from strong conceptions of transhumanism and the strong conceptions were found to be more problematic than the moderate ones. A particular critique of Boström's defence of transhumanism is presented. Various forms of slippery slope arguments that may be used for and against transhumanism are discussed and one particular criticism, moral arbitrariness, that undermines both weak and strong transhumanism is highlighted.
McNamee
M J
MJ
Centre for Philosophy, Humanities and Law in Healthcare, School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. m.j.mcnamee@swansea.ac.uk
Edwards
S D
SD
D001294:Attitude to Health; D005075:Biological Evolution; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005610:Freedom; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000941:ethics*; D028681:Moral Obligations; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D012649:Self Concept; D012945:Social Values; D035761:Wedge Argument