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Bioconservatism, bioenhancement and backfiring.

Tamara Kayali Browne1,2, Steve Clarke2,3

  • 1School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biotechnological enhancement may become possible. This article argues that the "backfiring objection," a common bioconservative argument, is less significant than believed, even when considering irreversibility or human limitations.

Keywords:
Brave New Worldbackfirebioconservatismbioenhancementconservativeenhancementmoral education

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Biotechnology
  • Human Enhancement

Background:

  • The ethical implications of human enhancement technologies are increasingly relevant.
  • Bioconservative arguments often raise concerns about unintended negative consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the bioconservative "backfiring objection" to human enhancement.
  • To assess supplementary bioconservative arguments concerning irreversibility, novelty, and human limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of bioconservative arguments.
  • Examination of the "backfiring objection" and its variations.
  • Consideration of the integration of bioenhancement with moral education.

Main Results:

  • The "backfiring objection" is less significant than bioconservatives suggest.
  • Arguments based on irreversibility, novelty, and inherent human limitations have limited value.
  • Bioenhancement could potentially complement traditional moral education.

Conclusions:

  • The perceived risks of biotechnological enhancement, particularly the "backfiring objection," may be overstated.
  • Further ethical deliberation is needed on the role of enhancement technologies.
  • Bioenhancement offers potential avenues for personal and moral development.