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In defense of posthuman dignity.

Nick Bostrom1

  • 1Oxford University, Faculty of Philosophy, 10 Merton Street, Oxford, OX1 4JJ, UK. nick@nickbostrom.com

Bioethics
|September 20, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Transhumanism and bioconservatism debate human enhancement ethics. This paper argues for a broader concept of dignity that includes potential posthumans, countering bioconservative objections to human enhancement technologies.

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Technology
  • Human Enhancement

Background:

  • Debates on human enhancement technologies often fall between transhumanism and bioconservatism.
  • Transhumanists advocate for widespread access and individual choice in enhancement technologies.
  • Bioconservatives express concerns that these technologies undermine human dignity and could lead to a 'posthuman' state.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the ethical arguments surrounding human enhancement technologies.
  • To distinguish between common fears associated with the concept of the 'posthuman'.
  • To propose an inclusive concept of dignity applicable to potential posthumans.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of ethical positions on human enhancement.
  • Distinction between different fears regarding posthuman futures.
  • Conceptual analysis of human dignity in the context of technological advancement.

Main Results:

  • Bioconservative arguments against human enhancement often rely on a narrow definition of human dignity.
  • Two distinct fears concerning the posthuman are identified and analyzed.
  • An inclusive concept of dignity can accommodate many potential posthuman beings.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing posthuman dignity challenges bioconservative objections to human enhancement.
  • An inclusive ethical framework is necessary to avoid distortive double standards in bioethics.
  • The study supports a more nuanced ethical evaluation of human enhancement technologies.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachHealth Care and Public Health

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