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Autonomy and Enhancement.

G Owen Schaefer1, Guy Kahane2, Julian Savulescu2

  • 1Lincoln College, University of Oxford, Turl Street, Oxford, OX1 3DR UK.

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|July 22, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human enhancement can actually improve autonomy by boosting reasoning abilities. Cognitive enhancements, often criticized for violating autonomy, may paradoxically strengthen it, offering new ethical considerations.

Keywords:
AutonomyCognitionEnhancementReasoning

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Cognitive Science
  • Philosophy of Mind

Background:

  • Concerns exist that human enhancement technologies may undermine individual autonomy.
  • Existing arguments against enhancement often focus on potential violations of autonomy.
  • The concept of autonomy itself is complex and multifaceted, with various philosophical interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential for human enhancement to improve autonomy, rather than diminish it.
  • To identify a common feature of autonomy that can be targeted for enhancement.
  • To re-evaluate autonomy-based objections to human enhancement in light of potential autonomy improvements.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of diverse philosophical accounts of autonomy.
  • Identification of reasoning ability as a core component of autonomy across multiple theories.
  • Argumentation for cognitive enhancement as a means to improve reasoning and, consequently, autonomy.

Main Results:

  • Reasoning ability is a widely shared characteristic of autonomy across various philosophical frameworks.
  • Cognitive enhancements offer a viable method for improving individuals' reasoning capabilities.
  • Enhancements that improve reasoning can strengthen, not weaken, personal autonomy.

Conclusions:

  • Autonomy-based objections to human enhancement may be ill-founded, particularly concerning cognitive enhancements.
  • Enhancements that bolster reasoning ability provide a strong ethical justification for their pursuit.
  • Individuals concerned about autonomy should consider embracing enhancements that demonstrably improve it.