Moral bioenhancement and the utilitarian catastrophe

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Growing interest in moral bioenhancement (MBE) using biomedical interventions.
• Concerns about existential risks such as climate change and weapons of mass destruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the efficacy of moral bioenhancement as a solution to global threats.
• To analyze the potential negative consequences of biomedical moral enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical argumentation and ethical analysis.
• Critique of existing proposals for moral bioenhancement.
• Exploration of the likely effects of piecemeal enhancements on moral reasoning.

Main Results:

• Moral bioenhancement is unlikely to effectively address extinction threats.
• Biomedical enhancements may exacerbate problems by creating unbalanced improvements in moral judgment.
• Piecemeal enhancements can negatively impact moral reasoning compared to sustained reflection.

Conclusions:

• Moral bioenhancement is a potentially dangerous approach to complex global challenges.
• The unbalanced nature of biomedical enhancements may hinder rather than help moral progress.
• Alternative approaches to improving morality and addressing global risks should be prioritized.