New biotechnologies promise to revolutionize human existence — not only by delivering therapeutic treatments and cures, but also by offering physical and mental “enhancements”: cre
Among the biotechnical powers considered are techniques for screening genes and testing embryos, choosing sex of children, modifying the behavior of children, augmenting muscle siz
Life is a precious gift held in trust: we do not own our lives, nor do we have absolute dominion over life (Ps 8:6). conception to death our lives are entrusted to our responsible
At first glance there does not seem to be anything philosophically problematic about human enhancement. Activities such as physical fitness routines, wearing eyeglasses, taking mus
Biomedical technologies can increasingly be used not only to combat disease, but also to augment the capacities or traits of normal, healthy people – a practice commonly referred t
Moral enhancements aim to morally improve a person, for example by increasing the frequency with which an individual does the right thing or acts from the right motives. Most of th
When he presents the heart of his redemptive mission, Jesus says: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10). In truth, he is referring to that "new" and "
The dignity of a person must be recognized in every human being from conception to natural death. This fundamental principle expresses a great “yes” to human life and must be at th
Human beings have long sought to acquire additional powers or to develop those they have already, or to diminish or eliminate what they regarded as defects. They have pursued this desire through mental and physical training, and through selective breeding – from informal choosing of mates who have the desired hereditary characteristics, to social policies of restricted reproduction (eugenics). Until relatively recently, however, these means were rather limited and often unsuccessful. With the development and spread of medical technology, artificial intelligence, IT, robotics and applied genetics, however, the ambition and possibilities of human enhancement have increased. Advocates argue that just as we have used medicine, exercise and diet to improve human health, so we should use these new techniques to elevate human nature. Critics counter that this a) risks unforeseen harmful consequences, b) deepens existing or creates new social inequalities, and c) represents a kind of existential dissatisfaction that can never be eased but will only be intensified.