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Enhancement technologies and human identity.

David DeGrazia1

  • 1Department of Philosophy, George Washington University, 801 22nd Street NW, Rm. 525, Washington, DC 20052, USA. ddd@gwu.edu

The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|July 23, 2005
PubMed
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Biotechnology offers human trait enhancement, but concerns about identity exist. This article argues that a clear understanding of human identity resolves challenges like inauthenticity and core characteristic violations, making enhancement less problematic.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Technology
  • Human Enhancement

Background:

  • Rapid advancements in biotechnology present new possibilities for human trait enhancement.
  • Concerns have been raised regarding the ethical implications of human enhancement, particularly concerning personal identity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the claim that biotechnological enhancement is inherently problematic due to its impact on human identity.
  • To provide a framework for understanding human identity and its relationship with enhancement.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual clarification of 'enhancement' in the context of biotechnology.
  • Development of a framework for understanding human identity.
  • Examination of two specific identity-related challenges: inauthenticity and violation of core characteristics.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachBiomedical and Behavioral ResearchGenetics and ReproductionHealth Care and Public HealthPhilosophical ApproachPresident's Council on Bioethics

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Main Results:

  • The study posits that a clear and plausible understanding of human identity can address concerns about enhancement.
  • Charges of inauthenticity and violation of inviolable core characteristics are largely neutralized by a robust concept of identity.

Conclusions:

  • Biotechnological human enhancement is not inherently problematic from an identity perspective.
  • A nuanced understanding of identity can overcome common objections to human enhancement technologies.