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Human enhancement and sexual dimorphism.
1Monash University, Centre for Human Bioethics, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. robert.sparrow@arts.monash.edu.au
Bioethics
|April 27, 2011
Summary
Sexual dimorphism significantly impacts life prospects, challenging views on human enhancement ethics. The concept of
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Human Enhancement Ethics
Background:
- The ethical debate on human enhancement often overlooks significant biological factors.
- Sexual dimorphism presents a substantial challenge to philosophical arguments against the moral relevance of 'normal human capacities'.
- Existing bioethical literature has focused on genetic variations, neglecting the profound impact of biological sex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical implications of selecting embryo sex in human enhancement.
- To demonstrate why 'normal human capacities' are crucial for ethical reasoning in shaping future persons.
- To challenge philosophical positions that deny the moral significance of 'normal human capacities'.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argumentation
- Ethical analysis of human enhancement debates
- Examination of the concept of 'normal human capacities'
Main Results:
- Biological sex has a greater impact on life prospects than many discussed genetic variations.
- Choosing embryo sex presents three options: favoring males, favoring females, or neutrality.
- Favoring one sex over the other leads to counterintuitive and morally problematic conclusions.
Conclusions:
- The concept of 'normal human capacities' is essential for ethical decision-making regarding human enhancement.
- Ethical frameworks must account for the profound influence of sexual dimorphism.
- Rethinking the role of 'normal human capacities' is necessary for navigating the ethics of shaping future persons.
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