About the book
A nuanced discussion of human enhancement that argues for enhancement that does not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings.
The transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate human enhancement—improvements to attributes and abilities that do not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. He argues against radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly exceed current human capabilities.
Agar explores notions of transformative change and motives for human enhancement; distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement undermines human identity; considers the possibility of cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement, Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may inadvertently create beings (“post-persons”) with moral status higher than that of persons. If we create beings more entitled to benefits and protections against harms than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to technology.
Editions of Truly Human Enhancement
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262026635
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262549202
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262318969
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262318976
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262318983
Read an Excerpt
A nuanced discussion of human enhancement that argues for enhancement that does not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings.
The transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate human enhancement—improvements to attributes and abilities that do not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. He argues against radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly exceed current human capabilities.
Agar explores notions of transformative change and motives for human enhancement; distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement undermines human identity; considers the possibility of cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement, Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may inadvertently create beings (“post-persons”) with moral status higher than that of persons. If we create beings more entitled to benefits and protections against harms than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Truly Human Enhancement about?
A nuanced discussion of human enhancement that argues for enhancement that does not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings.
The transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate human enhancement—improvements to attributes and abilities that do not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. He argues against radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly exceed current human capabilities.
Agar explores notions of transformative change and motives for human enhancement; distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement undermines human identity; considers the possibility of cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement, Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may inadvertently create beings (“post-persons”) with moral status higher than that of persons. If we create beings more entitled to benefits and protections against harms than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to technology.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Truly Human Enhancement?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Ethics and moral philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Truly Human Enhancement?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262026635
Is Truly Human Enhancement part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Basic Bioethics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Truly Human Enhancement?
Nicholas Agar
Who is the Publisher of the book Truly Human Enhancement?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Truly Human Enhancement is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262026635) and paperback(ISBN 9780262549202) and ebook(ISBN 9780262318969) and ebook(ISBN 9780262318976) and ebook(ISBN 9780262318983)
Where can I buy Truly Human Enhancement online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Truly Human Enhancement from below
Where can I buy Truly Human Enhancement?