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Updated: Oct 26, 2025
05:21
Characterization of the Sense of Agency over the Actions of Neural-machine Interface-operated Prostheses
Published on: January 7, 2019
8.1K
Posthumanism: Creation of 'New Men' Through Technological Innovation
George L Mendz1, Michael Cook2
1School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Australia.
Summary
The posthumanist project aims to technologically direct human evolution, primarily through genetic modification. This study finds the program lacks sufficient evidence and adequate consideration of ethical consequences.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Genetics
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Posthumanism proposes technologically directed human evolution.
- The study focuses on genetic modification for human enhancement.
- Philosophical underpinnings of posthumanism are explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the claims of creating evolved humans via genetic modification.
- To examine the ethical implications of posthumanist ideals.
- To analyze the capabilities and limitations of genome editing techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of posthumanist values and philosophical background.
- Application of genetic and ethical principles.
- Analysis of somatic and germline genome editing techniques.
Main Results:
- Posthumanism's agenda is broad, focusing on genetic enhancement.
- Genome editing techniques have specific capabilities and limitations.
- The creation of posthumans raises questions about current human values.
Conclusions:
- The posthumanist program relies on unsubstantiated hypotheses.
- There is insufficient evidence supporting the feasibility of posthumanism.
- The ethical and societal consequences of posthumanism are inadequately considered.
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