Enhancing Evolution

The Ethical Case for Making Better People
Revised Auflage
ISBN: 978-0-691-14816-8
Verlag: Princeton University Press

Buch, Englisch, 264 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 393 g

Reihe: Science Essentials

In Enhancing Evolution, leading bioethicist John Harris dismantles objections to genetic engineering, stem-cell research, designer babies, and cloning and makes an ethical case for biotechnology that is both forthright and rigorous. Human enhancement, Harris argues, is a good thing--good morally, good for individuals, good as social policy, and good for a genetic heritage that needs serious improvement. Enhancing Evolution defends biotechnological interventions that could allow us to live longer, healthier, and even happier lives by, for example, providing us with immunity from cancer and HIV/AIDS. Further, Harris champions the possibility of influencing the very course of evolution to give us increased mental and physical powers--from reasoning, concentration, and memory to strength, stamina, and reaction speed. Indeed, he says, it's not only morally defensible to enhance ourselves; in some cases, it's morally obligatory. In a new preface, Harris offers a glimpse at the new science and technology to come, equipping readers with the knowledge to assess the ethics and policy dimensions of future forms of human enhancement.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Harris, John

Fachgebiete

• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizin, Gesundheitswesen Medizinische Ethik
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Angewandte Ethik & Soziale Verantwortung Medizinische Ethik
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Angewandte Ethik & Soziale Verantwortung Bioethik, Tierethik
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Bioethik, Tierethik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface to the Paperback Edition ix

Foreword by Steve Rayner xix

Acknowledgments xxv

Introduction 1

Chapter 1: Has Humankind a Future? 8

Chapter 2: Enhancement Is a Moral Duty 19

Chapter 3: What Enhancements Are and Why They Matter 36

Chapter 4: Immortality 59

Chapter 5: Reproductive Choice and the Democratic Presumption 72

Chapter 6: Disability and Super-Ability 86

Chapter 7: Perfection and the Blue Guitar 109

Chapter 8: Good and Bad Uses of Technology 123

Chapter 9: Designer Children 143

Chapter 10: The Irredeemable Paradox of the Embryo 160

Chapter 11: The Obligation to Pursue and Participate in Research 184

Notes 207

Bibliography 227

Index 239

Über Autor(innen)

Harris, John
John Harris is the Lord David Alliance Professor of Bioethics at the University of Manchester School of Law, joint editor-in-chief of the Journal of Medical Ethics, and a member of Britain's Human Genetics Commission. His many books include "On Cloning and Clones, Genes, and Immortality".