Enhancing Beyond What Ought to be the Case - A Conceptual Clarification
Medical treatments are not bio-enhancements because they aim for normal health states. This definition excludes moral enhancement from the scope of bio-enhancement discussions, clarifying ethical boundaries.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Ethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
Background:
- The ethical debate surrounding bio-enhancement often includes medical treatments.
- A precise definition of bio-enhancement is crucial for ethical analysis.
- Existing definitions may not adequately distinguish between therapy and enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the definition of bio-enhancement in ethical discourse.
- To differentiate medical treatments from genuine bio-enhancements.
- To determine if moral enhancement falls under the category of bio-enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of the term "bio-enhancement".
- Distinction between interventions aiming for 'ought' states versus 'other things being equal ought' states.
- Application of the refined definition to medical treatments and moral enhancement.
Main Results:
- Bio-enhancements are interventions not aimed at states that, other things being equal, ought to obtain.
- Medical treatments, aiming for normal health, do not fit this refined definition of bio-enhancement.
- Moral enhancement is also excluded from the scope of properly construed bio-enhancement.
Conclusions:
- A precise definition of bio-enhancement is essential for ethical clarity.
- Medical treatments should be distinguished from bio-enhancements.
- The concept of moral enhancement requires separate ethical consideration, distinct from bio-enhancement.
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