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Human enhancement

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File:We Can Rebuild Him.jpg
An illustration for Sync magazine of Imtech (Implantable technology)

Human enhancement describes any attempt, whether temporary or permanent, to overcome the current limitations of human cognitive and physical abilities, whether through natural or artificial means.

Overview

While in some circles, such as the writings of bioethicist Nicholas Agar, the expression "human enhancement" is roughly synonymous with human genetic engineering, it also is used to refer to the general application of converging NBIC technologies and human enhancement technologies. This includes the modification of DNA, the use of nootropic drugs, or the replacement of parts of the human anatomy, such as limbs, organs, or functional systems, with prosthetic substitutes capable of superior functioning.

Since the 1990s, transhumanists have risen to become the most prominent advocates of human enhancement while bioconservatives have always been its most prominent critics.

Human enhancement technologies

Human enhancement technologies (HET) are technologies that can be used not simply for treating illness and disability, but also for enhancing human capacities and characteristics.

HET are closely associated with the transhumanism, a movement which espouses the ethical use of these technologies to increase human health, abilities, and lifespan.

The following are examples of human enhancing technologies:

Criticism

The general criticism of human enhancement, which is also voiced by some of its supporters, is that it is or will often be practiced with a reckless and selfish short-term perspective that is ignorant of the long-term consequences on individuals and the rest of society.

Advocates of human enhancement who stress social responsibility, such as techno-progressives and the correspondingly more moderate transhumanists, defend and promote rigorous, independent safety testing of human enhancement technologies.

See also

References

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