How to Play the "Playing God" Card

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Philosophy of Technology
• Argumentation Theory

Background:

• The phrase "playing God" is commonly invoked in ethical discussions surrounding emerging technologies like genetic engineering and cloning.
• This phrase is typically interpreted as a prohibition against human interference with divine creation or natural order.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a reinterpretation of "playing God" arguments beyond a simple call for non-interference.
• To develop an argumentation scheme and critical questions for analyzing the moral concerns embedded in "playing God" arguments.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the phrase "playing God" within the context of technological ethics debates.
• Application of argumentation theory to construct a formal scheme for "playing God" arguments.
• Formulation of critical questions to guide ethical deliberation.

Main Results:

• The common interpretation of "playing God" arguments as advocating non-interference is deemed too narrow.
• An alternative interpretation frames "playing God" arguments as a prompt for careful consideration of potential negative consequences of new technologies.
• The proposed argumentation scheme offers a structured way to evaluate the moral concerns raised by these arguments.

Conclusions:

• "Playing God" arguments should not be dismissed as mere calls to halt technological advancement.
• These arguments serve as a crucial invitation to engage in a more profound ethical analysis of the risks and implications of new technologies.
• Adopting this reinterpretation encourages a more nuanced and responsible approach to technological innovation and its societal impact.