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Transhumanism, medical technology and slippery slopes.

M J McNamee1, S D Edwards

  • 1Centre for Philosophy, Humanities and Law in Healthcare, School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. m.j.mcnamee@swansea.ac.uk

Journal of Medical Ethics
|September 1, 2006
PubMed
Summary

This article examines transhumanism, differentiating moderate from strong views. Stronger transhumanist concepts present greater ethical challenges, particularly regarding moral arbitrariness.

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Technology
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Transhumanism is an ideology advocating for human enhancement through technology.
  • Distinctions exist between moderate and strong conceptions of transhumanism.
  • Ethical considerations surrounding human enhancement are increasingly important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze transhumanism as a quasi-medical ideology.
  • To differentiate and compare moderate and strong transhumanist conceptions.
  • To critique arguments supporting transhumanism, including Boström's defense.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of transhumanist ideology.
  • Distinction between moderate and strong transhumanist viewpoints.
  • Examination of slippery slope arguments related to transhumanism.

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  • Identification of the moral arbitrariness criticism.

    • Main Results:

    • Strong conceptions of transhumanism are identified as more problematic than moderate ones.
    • Boström's defense of transhumanism is critically evaluated.
    • Slippery slope arguments for and against transhumanism are discussed.
    • Moral arbitrariness is highlighted as a significant criticism undermining transhumanism.

    Conclusions:

    • Transhumanism, particularly its strong forms, raises substantial ethical concerns.
    • The principle of moral arbitrariness poses a fundamental challenge to transhumanist justifications.
    • Further ethical scrutiny is required for human enhancement technologies and ideologies.