[Enhancement between self-realization and self-deception].
Is it morally responsible to enhance human beings technically? To answer this question three problems will be analyzed: 1) Do we destroy human nature if we allow enhancement? 2) Can enhancement lead to a loss of autonomy and personality? 3) What are the differences between enhancement of adults and enhancement of children? Arguments and conclusion: I will defend a certain kind of moderate liberalism in order to solve these problems. I will focus on the question whether reversible enhancements must be evaluated differently from irreversible enhancements. Arguments from J. Habermas against enhancement of children will be rejected. Under certain conditions enhancement is not morally unacceptable but it must be ensured that these conditions are fulfilled.
Gesang
Bernward
B
Philosophisches Institut, Universitat, Universitatsstrabe 1, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany. gesangbe@gmx.de
D000328:Adult; D024803:Biomedical Enhancement / Q000941:ethics*; D002648:Child; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D040821:Human Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010684:Philosophy