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Genetic enhancement, human extinction, and the best interests of posthumanity.
- Source :
-
Bioethics . Jul2024, Vol. 38 Issue 6, p529-538. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- The cumulative impact of enhancement technologies may alter the human species in the very long‐term future. In this article, I will start showing how radical genetic enhancements may accelerate the conversion into a novel species. I will also clarify the concepts of 'biological species', 'transhuman' and 'posthuman'. Then, I will summarize some ethical arguments for creating a transhuman or posthuman species with a substantially higher level of well‐being than the human one. In particular, I will present what I shall call the Principle of the Best Interests of Posthumanity, which states that the enhancement of the human and transhuman species must be directed towards the creation of a posthuman existence that is substantially more valuable than its predecessors. I suggest that human extinction may be considered, within that principle, as one of the best interests of posthumanity. Finally, I will develop three objections that make that principle unattractive and that show that pursuing a full‐blown programme of posthuman evolution is ethically flawed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02699702
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Bioethics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 177717325
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.13085