Human enhancement

Definition

Human enhancement refers to the use of technology, particularly biotechnological and nanotechnological innovations, to improve human physical and cognitive abilities beyond the normal range. This concept raises important ethical considerations about what it means to be human, the potential for inequality in access to enhancements, and the implications for society as a whole.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Human enhancement technologies include genetic engineering, neural implants, and advanced prosthetics that aim to improve human capabilities.
2. Ethical dilemmas arise from the potential for socio-economic divides where only certain groups can access enhancements, creating a 'two-tiered' society.
3. Concerns about safety and long-term effects of enhancements lead to debates about regulatory frameworks and moral obligations toward individuals.
4. The pursuit of enhancement raises questions about authenticity and the nature of human identity, challenging traditional views on what it means to be 'normal'.
5. As human enhancement technologies advance, discussions on consent, autonomy, and the potential for coercion in enhancement practices become increasingly significant.

Review Questions

• How does human enhancement challenge traditional notions of what it means to be human?
  • Human enhancement challenges traditional notions of humanity by pushing the boundaries of natural abilities and raising questions about identity. As individuals adopt technologies that enhance physical or cognitive traits, the definition of 'normal' becomes blurred. This shift prompts ethical discussions about authenticity and whether enhancements could alter fundamental aspects of human nature.
• Discuss the ethical implications of unequal access to human enhancement technologies.
  • Unequal access to human enhancement technologies poses significant ethical implications, potentially leading to increased social stratification. If only affluent individuals can afford enhancements, it creates a divide where enhanced individuals may gain unfair advantages in education, employment, and health. This situation raises moral questions about justice and equity in society, highlighting the need for regulations that ensure fair access to these technologies.
• Evaluate the potential long-term societal impacts of widespread human enhancement adoption.
  • The widespread adoption of human enhancement technologies could lead to profound societal changes. Potential impacts include shifts in workforce dynamics as enhanced individuals may outperform their non-enhanced counterparts, leading to economic disparities. Moreover, there could be cultural shifts regarding perceptions of ability and disability. Ethical frameworks will need to evolve to address issues surrounding consent, identity, and the rights of enhanced versus non-enhanced individuals, ensuring that societal values keep pace with technological advancements.

Related terms

Transhumanism: A philosophical movement advocating for the use of technology to enhance the human condition and improve physical and mental capacities.

Biotechnology: The use of biological systems or living organisms to develop or create products, often aimed at improving health and performance in humans.

Cognitive Enhancement: The use of drugs, technologies, or other interventions aimed at improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and intelligence.