Human enhancement#Technologies
{{Short description|Natural, artificial, or technological alteration of the human body}}
{{For|the book edited by Julian Savulescu and Nick Bostrom|Human Enhancement (book){{!}}Human Enhancement (book)}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Human enhancement sidebar|all}}
Human enhancement is the natural, artificial, or technological alteration of the human body in order to enhance physical or mental capabilities.{{cite web|url=https://ieet.org/index.php/tpwiki/human_enhancement|title=Ethical Issues of Human Enhancement|last=Buchanan|first=Allen|website=Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies|access-date=2019-04-26|archive-date=2019-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403153649/https://ieet.org/index.php/tpwiki/human_enhancement|url-status=dead}}{{cite journal |last1=Almeida |first1=Mara |last2=Diogo |first2=Rui |title=Human enhancement |journal=Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health |date=2019 |volume=2019 |issue=1 |pages=183–189 |doi=10.1093/emph/eoz026 |doi-access=free|pmid=31620286 |pmc=6788211 }}{{cite journal |last1=Raisamo |first1=Roope |last2=Rakkolainen |first2=Ismo |last3=Majaranta |first3=Päivi |last4=Salminen |first4=Katri |last5=Rantala |first5=Jussi |last6=Farooq |first6=Ahmed |title=Human augmentation: Past, present and future |journal=International Journal of Human-Computer Studies |date=2019 |volume=131 |pages=131–143 |doi=10.1016/j.ijhcs.2019.05.008|url=https://trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/116951 }}
Technologies
=Existing technologies=
Three forms of human enhancement currently exist: reproductive, physical, and mental. Reproductive enhancements include embryo selection by preimplantation genetic diagnosis, cytoplasmictransfer, and in vitro-generated gametes. Physical enhancements include cosmetics (plastic surgery and orthodontics), Drug-induced (doping and performance-enhancing drugs), functional (prosthetics and powered exoskeletons), Medical (implants (e.g. pacemaker) and organ replacements (e.g. bionic lenses)), and strength training (weights (e.g. barbells) and dietary supplement)). Examples of mental enhancements are nootropics, neurostimulation, and supplements that improve mental functions.{{cite web|url=http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_n_10zPzhtm |title=Dorlands Medical Dictionary |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080130031824/http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_n_10zPzhtm |archive-date = 2008-01-30}}{{cite journal |vauthors=Lanni C, Lenzken SC, Pascale A, etal |title=Cognition enhancers between treating and doping the mind |journal=Pharmacol. Res. |volume=57 |issue=3 |pages=196–213 |date=March 2008 |pmid=18353672 |doi=10.1016/j.phrs.2008.02.004 }}
Computers, mobile phones, and Internet{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/health/memory-computers-brain |title=So you're a cyborg – now what? |access-date=2013-03-22 | work=CNN |date=2012-05-07 |first=Elizabeth |last=Landau}} can also be used to enhance cognitive efficiency. Notable efforts in human augmentation are driven by the interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) devices,{{Cite journal|last1=Pirmagomedov|first1=Rustam|last2=Koucheryavy|first2=Yevgeni|s2cid=202750140|date=2019-09-27|title=IoT Technologies for Augmented Human: a Survey|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542660519302045|journal=Internet of Things|volume=14 |pages=100120|doi=10.1016/j.iot.2019.100120|issn=2542-6605|bibcode=2019arXiv190911191P|arxiv=1909.11191}} including wearable electronics (e.g., augmented reality glasses, smart watches, smart textile), personal drones, on-body and in-body nanonetworks.{{Cite journal|last1=Akyildiz|first1=Ian F.|last2=Brunetti|first2=Fernando|last3=Blázquez|first3=Cristina|date=2008-08-22|title=Nanonetworks: A new communication paradigm|journal=Computer Networks|volume=52|issue=12|pages=2260–2279|doi=10.1016/j.comnet.2008.04.001|issn=1389-1286}} Gender-affirming surgery and gender-affirming hormone therapy can be seen as existing human enhancement technologies.{{cite journal | last=Zohny | first=Hazem | last2=Earp | first2=Brian D. | last3=Savulescu | first3=Julian | title=Enhancing Gender | journal=Journal of Bioethical Inquiry | volume=19 | issue=2 | date=2022 | issn=1176-7529 | pmid=35129785 | pmc=9233637 | doi=10.1007/s11673-021-10163-7 | doi-access=free | pages=225–237 | url=https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11673-021-10163-7.pdf | access-date=19 January 2025}}
=Emerging technologies=
Many different forms of human enhancing technologies are either on the way or are currently being tested and trialed. A few of these emerging technologies include: human genetic engineering (gene therapy), neurotechnology (neural implants and brain–computer interfaces),{{cite journal |last1=Cinel |first1=Caterina |last2=Valeriani |first2=Davide |last3=Poli |first3=Riccardo |title=Neurotechnologies for Human Cognitive Augmentation: Current State of the Art and Future Prospects |journal=Frontiers in Human Neuroscience |date=2019 |volume=13 |page=13 |doi=10.3389/fnhum.2019.00013 |doi-access=free|pmid=30766483 |pmc=6365771 }} cyberware, strategies for engineered negligible senescence, nanomedicine, and 3D bioprinting. Variants of human genetic engineering with so far limited usage include the artificial creation of human-animal hybrids (where each cell has partly human and partly animal genetic contents) and human-animal chimeras (where some cells are human and some cells are animal in origin).{{cite web|url=https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/genetic-enhancement-custom-kids-and-chimeras|title=PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES. Genetic Enhancement: Custom Kids and Chimeras|author=Marilyn E. Coors, Ph.D.|accessdate=2023-01-08}}{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable (WP:NOTRS).|date=May 2024}}
=Speculative technologies=
Some other human enhancement technologies are still speculative, such as: mind uploading, exocortex, and endogenous artificial nutrition. Mind uploading is the hypothetical process of "transferring"/"uploading" or copying a conscious mind from a brain to a non-biological substrate by scanning and mapping a biological brain in detail and copying its state into a computer system or another computational device. The exocortex can be defined as a theoretical artificial external information processing system that would augment a brain's biological high-level cognitive processes. Endogenous artificial nutrition can be similar to having a radioisotope generator that resynthesizes glucose (similarly to photosynthesis), amino acids and vitamins from their degradation products, theoretically availing for weeks without food if necessary.
Nick Bostrom listed some additional capabilities that are expected to be physically possible in theory, given a sufficient technological level, such as:{{Cite book |last=Bostrom |first=Nick |title=Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World |date=March 27, 2024 |isbn=978-1646871643 |chapter=Technological maturity|publisher=Ideapress }}
- Reversal of aging
- Cures for all diseases
- Arbitrary sensory inputs (e.g. generating subjective experience of taste without eating anything)
- Precise control of personality, mood, motivation, well-being
Nootropics
{{main|Nootropic}}
There are many substances that are purported to have promise in augmenting human cognition by various means. These substances are called nootropics and can potentially benefit individuals with cognitive decline and many different disorders, but may also be capable of yielding results in cognitively healthy persons. Generally speaking, nootropics are said to be effective for enhancing focus, learning, memory function, mood, and in some cases, physical brain development. Some examples of these include Citicoline,{{Cite web|last=Tardner|first=P.|date=2020-08-30|title=The use of citicoline for the treatment of cognitive decline and cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis of pharmacological literature • International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology|url=https://www.ijest.org/citicoline-cognitive-decline-ptardner-0820/|access-date=2020-08-31|website=International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology|language=en-US}} Huperzine A, Phosphatidylserine,{{Cite web|last=Tardner|first=P.|date=2020-08-28|title=The effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on memory function in older people: A review of clinical literature • International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology|url=https://www.ijest.org/phosphatidylserine-memory-older-people-ptardner0820/|access-date=2020-08-31|website=International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology|language=en-US}} Bacopa monnieri,{{cite journal|last1=Aguiar |first1= Sebastian|last2=Borowski|first2=Thomas|title=Neuropharmacological Review of the Nootropic Herb Bacopa monnieri|volume=16|issue=4|pages=313–326|pmc=3746283|journal=Rejuvenation Research |year= 2013|pmid=23772955|doi=10.1089/rej.2013.1431}} Acetyl-L-carnitine,{{cite journal|last1=Smeland|first1=Olav B.|last2=Meisingset|first2=Tore W.|last3= Borges|first3=Karin|last4=Sonnewald|first4=Ursula|s2cid=1859924|title=Chronic acetyl-l-carnitine alters brain energy metabolism and increases noradrenaline and serotonin content in healthy mice|volume= 61|issue=1|pages=100–7|pmid=22549035|journal=Neurochemistry International|year=2012|doi= 10.1016/j.neuint.2012.04.008}} Uridine monophosphate, L-theanine,{{cite journal|last1=Owen|first1=Gail N.|last2=Parnell|first2=Holly|last3=De Bruin|first3= Eveline A.|last4=Rycroft|first4=Jane A.|s2cid=46326744|title=The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood|volume=11|issue=4|pages=193–8|pmid=18681988 |journal= Nutritional Neuroscience|year=2008|doi=10.1179/147683008X301513}}{{cite journal |last1= Giesbrecht|first1=T.|last2=Rycroft|first2=J.A.|last3=Rowson|first3=M.J.|last4=De Bruin |first4=E.A.|s2cid=29075809|title=The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness.|volume=13|issue=6|pages=283–90|pmid= 21040626|journal= Nutritional Neuroscience|year=2010|doi=10.1179/147683010X12611460764840}}{{cite journal|last1= Nobre|first1=Anna C.|last2=Rao|first2=Anling|last3=Owen|first3=Gail N.|title=L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state.|volume=17 |pages= 167–8|pmid=18296328 |journal=Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition|year=2008|issue=Suppl 1 }} Rhodiola rosea, and Pycnogenol which are all forms of dietary supplement. There are also nootropic drugs such as the common racetams, e.g. piracetam (Nootropil) and omberacetam (Noopept){{cite journal|last1=Bobkova |first1= NV|last2=Gruden|first2=MA |last3= Samokhin|first3=AN|last4=Medvinskaia|first4=NI |last5= Morozova-Roch|first5=L|last6= Uudasheva |first6=TA|last7=Ostrovskaia|first7=RU|last8=Seredinin |first8= SB|title=Noopept improves the spatial memory and stimulates prefibrillar beta-amyloid(25-35) antibody production in mice |volume=68|issue=5|pages= 11–5|pmid= 16277202 |journal=Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia |year=2005}}{{cite journal|last1=Radionova|first1=K. S. |last2=Belnik|first2=A. P.|last3=Ostrovskaya|first3=R. U.|s2cid=11773065 |title=Original nootropic drug Noopept prevents memory deficit in rats with muscarinic and nicotinic receptor blockade|journal=Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine|volume=146 |issue=1|pages=59–62|doi= 10.1007/s10517-008-0209-0 |pmid=19145351|year=2008}}{{cite journal|last1=Amelin|first1=AV|last2=Iliukhina|first2= AIu |last3= Shmonin |first3= AA|title= Noopept in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment in patients with stroke|volume=111|issue=10 Pt 1|pages=44–6|pmid=22500312|journal=Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii imeni S.s. Korsakova|year= 2011}} along with the neuroprotective Semax, and N-Acetyl Semax.{{cite journal|last1= Dolotov|first1=O. V. |last2= Seredenina|first2=T. S|last3=Levitskaya|first3=N. G|last4=Kamensky |first4=A. A.|last5=Andreeva |first5= L. A.|last6=Alfeeva|first6=L. Yu.|last7= Nagaev|first7=I. Yu.|last8=Zolotarev|first8=Yu. A.|last9=Grivennikov|first9=I. A.|last10=Engele |first10= Yu. |last11= Myasoedov|first11=N. F. |s2cid=41400991 |title= The Heptapeptide SEMAX stimulates BDNF Expression in Different Areas of the Rat Brain in vivo|journal=Doklady Biological Sciences |volume=391 |pages= 292–295|doi=10.1023/A:1025177812262 |pmid=14556513 |year= 2003}} There are also nootropics related to naturally occurring substances but that are either modified in a lab or are analogs such as Vinpocetine and Sulbutiamine. Some authors have explored nootropics as relationship enhancements to help couples maintain bonds over time.{{cite book| last1=Earp| first1=Brian |last2=Savulescu|first2=Julian| title = Love Drugs: The Chemical Future of Relationships | date = 2020| publisher = Stanford University Press| location = Palo Alto, California| isbn = 9780804798198 | url = https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=27130}}
Ethics
Much debate surrounds the topic of human enhancement and the means used to achieve one's enhancement goals.{{cite web|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602342/the-ethics-of-human-enhancement/|title=The Ethics of Human Enhancement|last=Miah|first=Andy|date=September 2016|website=MIT Technology Review}} Ethical attitudes toward human enhancement can depend on many factors such as religious affiliation, age, gender, ethnicity, culture of origin, and nationality.{{Cite journal|last1=Koucheryavy|first1=Yevgeni|last2=Kirichek|first2=Ruslan|last3=Glushakov|first3=Ruslan|last4=Pirmagomedov|first4=Rustam|s2cid=158049143|date=2017-09-02|title=Quo vadis, humanity? Ethics on the last mile toward cybernetic organism|journal=Russian Journal of Communication|volume=9|issue=3|pages=287–293|doi=10.1080/19409419.2017.1376561|issn=1940-9419}}
In some circles the expression "human enhancement" is roughly synonymous with human genetic engineering,{{cite book|author = Agar, Nicholas|title = Liberal Eugenics: In Defence of Human Enhancement|year = 2004| publisher=Wiley |isbn = 978-1-4051-2390-7|author-link = Nicholas Agar}}{{cite book| last = Parens |first=Erik |title = Enhancing Human Traits: Ethical and Social Implications| publisher = Georgetown University Press| year = 2000| isbn = 978-0-87840-780-4}} but most often it is referred to the general application of the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science (NBIC) to improve human performance.{{cite book| editor1 = Roco, Mihail C.|editor2=Bainbridge, William Sims|name-list-style=amp| title = Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance| publisher = Springer| year = 2004| isbn = 978-1-4020-1254-9|title-link=Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance}}
Since the 1990s, several academics (such as some of the fellows of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies{{cite journal| last = Bailey |first=Ronald| title = The Right to Human Enhancement: And also uplifting animals and the rapture of the nerds |date=2006-06-02 |journal=Reason Magazine | url = http://www.reason.com/news/show/116489.html| access-date=2007-03-03|author-link = Ronald Bailey}}) have risen to become advocates of the case for human enhancement while other academics (such as the members of President Bush's Council on Bioethics{{cite book| author = Members of the President's Council on Bioethics| title = Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness| url = http://www.bioethics.gov/reports/beyondtherapy/| publisher = President's Council on Bioethics| year = 2003| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070202061234/http://www.bioethics.gov/reports/beyondtherapy/| archive-date = 2007-02-02}}) have become outspoken critics.{{cite book| author = Hughes, James| title = Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond to the Redesigned Human of the Future| publisher = Westview Press| year = 2004| isbn = 978-0-8133-4198-9| title-link = Citizen Cyborg}}
Advocacy of the case for human enhancement is increasingly becoming synonymous with "transhumanism", a controversial ideology and movement which has emerged to support the recognition and protection of the right of citizens to either maintain or modify their own minds and bodies; so as to guarantee them the freedom of choice and informed consent of using human enhancement technologies on themselves and their children.{{cite web | last = Ford | first = Alyssa | title = Humanity: The Remix | work = Utne Magazine | date = May–June 2005 | url = http://www.twliterary.com/jhughes_utne.html | access-date = 2007-03-03 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061230170920/http://www.twliterary.com/jhughes_utne.html | archive-date = 2006-12-30 }} Their common understanding of the world can be seen from a physicist perspective rather than a biological perspective.{{Cite journal|last=Iuga|first=Ion|date=March 16, 2019|title=Transhumanism Between Human Enhancement and Technological Innovation|journal=Symposion|volume=3|pages=79–88|doi=10.5840/symposion2016315|url=https://philpapers.org/rec/IUGTBH|doi-access=free}} Based on the idea of technological singularity, human enhancement is merging with technological innovation that will advance post-humanism.
Neuromarketing consultant Zack Lynch argues that neurotechnologies will have a more immediate effect on society than gene therapy and will face less resistance as a pathway of radical human enhancement. He also argues that the concept of "enablement" needs to be added to the debate over "therapy" versus "enhancement".{{cite news| author = R. U. Sirius| title = The NeuroAge: Zack Lynch In Conversation With R.U. Sirius| publisher = Life Enhancement Products| year = 2005| author-link = R. U. Sirius}}
The prospect of human enhancement has sparked public controversy.{{cite journal |author= |year=2004 |title=Nanoscience and nanotechnologies (Ch. 6) |url=http://www.nanotec.org.uk/report/chapter7.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=The Royal Society & the Royal Academy of Engineering |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205232822/http://www.nanotec.org.uk/report/chapter7.pdf |archive-date=2018-02-05 |access-date=2006-12-05}}{{cite journal |author= |author-link= |year=2006 |title=Technology Assessment on Converging Technologies |url=https://www.itas.kit.edu/downloads/etag_beua06a.pdf |journal=European Parliament |access-date=2015-01-12}}{{cite journal |author= |year=2009 |title=Human Enhancement |url=https://www.itas.kit.edu/downloads/etag_coua09a.pdf |journal=European Parliament |access-date=2015-01-12}} The main ethical question in the debate about human enhancement involves which legal restrictions, if any, should exist.{{Cite journal|last1=Lin|first1=Patrick|last2=Allhoff|first2=Fritz|s2cid=18817470|date=March 16, 2019|title=Untangling the Debate: The Ethics of Human Enhancement|journal=NanoEthics|volume=2|issue=3|pages=251–264|doi=10.1007/s11569-008-0046-7|url=https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/phil_fac/6|url-access=subscription}}
Dale Carrico wrote that "human enhancement" is a loaded term which has eugenic overtones because it may imply the improvement of human hereditary traits to attain a universally accepted norm of biological fitness (at the possible expense of human biodiversity and neurodiversity), and therefore can evoke negative reactions far beyond the specific meaning of the term.{{cite journal |author=Carrico, Dale |author-link=Dale Carrico |year=2007 |title=Modification, Consent, and Prosthetic Self-Determination |url=http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/carrico20070226/ |journal=Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies |access-date=2007-04-03}} Michael Selgelid terms this as a phase of "neugenics" suggesting that gene enhancements occurring now have already revived the idea of eugenics in our society. Practices of prenatal diagnosis, selective abortion and in-vitro fertilization aims to improve human life allowing for parents to decide via genetic information if they want to continue or terminate the pregnancy.{{Cite journal|last=Selgelid|first=Michael|s2cid=3579504|date=March 16, 2019|title=Moderate Eugenics and Human Enhancement|journal=Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy|volume=1|issue=1|pages=3–12|doi=10.1007/s11019-013-9485-1|pmid=23728949}}
A criticism of human enhancement is that it will create unfair physical or mental advantages, or unequal access to such enhancements, can and will further the gulf between the "haves" and "have-nots".{{cite journal |author=Mooney, Pat Roy |author-link=Pat Roy Mooney |year=2002 |title=Beyond Cloning: Making Well People "Better" |url=http://www.worldwatch.org/node/521 |url-status=dead |journal=World Watch Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402232641/http://www.worldwatch.org/node/521 |archive-date=2019-04-02 |access-date=2007-02-02}}{{cite book| author = Fukuyama, Francis| title = Our Posthuman Future: Consequences of the Biotechnology Revolution| publisher = Farrar Straus & Giroux| year = 2002| isbn = 978-0-374-23643-4| author-link = Francis Fukuyama| title-link = Our Posthuman Future}}{{cite journal |author= |author-link=Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future |title=Human "Enhancement" |url=https://www.thehumanfuture.org/themes/human_enhancement/ |journal=Institute on Biotechnology and the Human Future |access-date=2007-02-02}}Michael Hauskeller, Better Humans?: Understanding the Enhancement Project, Acumen, 2013, {{ISBN|978-1-84465-557-1}}.
Futurist Ray Kurzweil has shown some concern that, within the century, humans may be required to merge with this technology in order to compete in the marketplace. Enhanced individuals have a better chance of being chosen for better opportunities in careers, entertainment and resources.{{Cite journal|last1=Allhoff|first1=Fritz|last2=Lin|first2=Patrick|date=2011|others=Jesse Steinberg|s2cid=11143329|title=Ethics of Human Enhancement: An Executive Summary|url=https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/phil_fac/3|journal=Science and Engineering Ethics|volume=17|issue=2|pages=201–212|doi=10.1007/s11948-009-9191-9|pmid=20094921|url-access=subscription}} For example, life extending technologies can increase the average individual life span, affecting the distribution of pension throughout the society. Increasing lifespan will affect human population, further dividing limited resources such as food, energy, monetary resources and habitat. Other critics of human enhancement fear that such capabilities would change, for the worse, the dynamic relations within a family. Given the choices of superior qualities, parents make their child as opposed to merely birthing it, and the newborn becomes a product of their will rather than a gift of nature to be loved unconditionally.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2004/04/the-case-against-perfection/302927/|title=The Case Against Perfection|author=Sandel, Michael J.|year=2004|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2016-01-21}}
=Effects on identity=
Human enhancement technologies can impact human identity by affecting one's self-conception.{{cite journal|last=DeGrazia|first=David|year=2005|title=Enhancement Technologies and Human Identity|url=https://philosophy.columbian.gwu.edu/sites/philosophy.columbian.gwu.edu/files/image/degrazia_enhancement.pdf|journal=Journal of Medicine and Philosophy|volume=30|issue=3|pages=261–283|access-date=12 May 2013|doi=10.1080/03605310590960166|pmid=16036459|archive-date=May 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517072024/https://philosophy.columbian.gwu.edu/sites/philosophy.columbian.gwu.edu/files/image/degrazia_enhancement.pdf|url-status=dead}} The argument does not necessarily come from the idea of improving the individual but rather changing who they are and becoming someone new. Altering an individual identity affects their personal story, development and mental capabilities. The basis of this argument comes from two main points: the charge of inauthenticity and the charge of violating an individual's core characteristics. Gene therapy has the ability to alter one’s mental capacity, and through this argument, has the ability to affect their narrative identity. An individual's core characteristics may include internal psychological style, personality, general intelligence, necessity to sleep, normal aging, gender and being Homo sapiens. Technologies threaten to alter the self fundamentally to the point where the result is, essentially, a different person entirely. For example, extreme changes in personality may affect the individual's relationships because others can no longer relate to the new person.
The capability approach focuses on a normative framework that can be applied to how human enhancement technologies affects human capabilities.{{Cite journal|last=Coeckelbergh|first=Mark|date=June 2010|title=Human development or human enhancement? A methodological reflection on capabilities and the evaluation of information technologies|journal=Ethics and Information Technology|volume=13|issue=2|pages=81–92|doi=10.1007/s10676-010-9231-9|doi-access=free}} The ethics of this does not necessarily focus on the make up of the individual but rather what it allows individuals to do in today's society. This approach was first termed by Amartya Sen, where he mainly focused on the objectives of the approach rather than the aim for those objectives which entail resources, technological processes, and economic arrangement. The central human capabilities include life, bodily health, bodily integrity, sense, emotions, practical reason, affiliation, other species, play, and control over one's environment. This normative framework recognizes that human capabilities are always changing and technology has already played a part in this.
See also
{{portal|Biology|Science|Technology}}
{{cmn|colwidth=22em|
- Anti-aging movement
- Assisted reproductive technologies
- Biohappiness
- Body modification
- Cloning
- Directed evolution (transhumanism)
- Evidence-based learning
- Gene therapy
- Genetic engineering
- Grinder (biohacking)
- Human-animal hybrid
- Life extension
- Moral enhancement
- Posthuman
- Posthumanization
- Technological singularity
- Transhumanism
}}
References
{{Reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite book |last1=Savulescu |first1=Julian |last2=Bostrom |first2=Nick |title=Human enhancement |date=2009 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=9780199299720}}
- {{cite book |last1=Savulescu |first1=Julian |last2=ter Meulen |first2=Ruud |last3=Kahane |first3=Guy |title=Enhancing human capacities |date=2011 |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |location=Chichester |isbn=9781405195812}}
- {{cite book |title=Our Grandchildren Redesigned: Life in the Bioengineered Society of the Near Future |author=Michael Bess |isbn=978-0807052174 |publisher=Beacon Press |year=2015}}
- {{cite book |last1=Bateman |first1=Simone |last2=Gayon |first2=Jean |last3=Allouche |first3=Sylvie |last4=Goffette |first4=Jérôme |last5=Marzano |first5=Michela |title=Inquiring into Human Enhancement: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives |date=2015 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |location=London |isbn=9781137530066 |edition=1}}
- {{cite book |last1=Edwards |first1=Gary |title=Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics |date=2016 |publisher=Springer International Publishing |isbn=978-3-319-09483-0 |pages=1121–1130 |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-09483-0_172?fromPaywallRec=true |language=en |chapter=Enhancement|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-09483-0_172 }}
- {{cite book |last1=Jotterand |first1=Fabrice |last2=Ienca |first2=Marcello |title=The Routledge Handbook of the Ethics of Human Enhancement |date=2024 |publisher=Routledge |location=New York |isbn=9780367615796}}
External links
{{Wikiquote}}
- [http://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucbtdag/bioethics Enhancement Technologies Group]
- [http://ieet.org Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies]
- [http://humanityplus.org/ Humanity+]
- [http://www.rte.ie/science/index.html RTÉ's Big Science Debate 2007]
- [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/publications/studies/stoa2007-13_en.pdf Human Enhancement Study (European Parliament STOA 2009)]
- [http://ethics.calpoly.edu Ethics + Emerging Sciences Group (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo)]
- [http://www.humanenhance.com/NSF_report.pdf "Ethics of Human Enhancement: 25 Questions & Answers" (an NSF-funded report), August 31, 2009]
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20121201005650/http://www.neohumanitas.org/ NeoHumanitas: Thinking our Future. Think tank reflecting on enhancing technologies]}}
- [http://amzn.com/3631671504 The Case for Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Human Enhancement (PeterLang, 2016)]
- [http://future-human.life Future-Human.Life (NeoHumanitas, 2017)]
- [http://www.augmented-human.com Augmented Human International Conferences]
{{Genetic engineering}}