1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910824160503321

Autore

Harris John <1945->

Titolo

Enhancing evolution : the ethical case for making better people / / John Harris

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Princeton, New Jersey ; ; Woodstock : , : Princeton University Press, , 2010

©2007

ISBN

9781400836383

1400836387

9781283069557

1283069555

9786613069559

6613069558

Edizione

[With a New preface by the author]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (xxviii, 191 pages) : digital, PDF file(s)

Collana

Science essentials

Classificazione

CC 7264

Disciplina

174.9599935

Soggetti

Human genetics - Moral and ethical aspects

Genetic engineering - Moral and ethical aspects

Human reproductive technology - Moral and ethical aspects

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

With a new preface by the author

"... with a new preface, 2010."

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface to the Paperback Edition -- Foreword / Rayner, Steve -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1 Has Humankind a Future? -- 2 Enhancement Is a Moral Duty -- 3 What Enhancements Are and Why They Matter -- 4 Immortality -- 5 Reproductive Choice and the Democratic Presumption -- 6 Disability and Super-Ability -- 7 Perfection and the Blue Guitar -- 8 Good and Bad Uses of Technology: Leon Kass and Jürgen Habermas -- 9 Designer Children -- 10 The Irredeemable Paradox of the Embryo -- 11 The Obligation to Pursue and Participate in Research -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index

Sommario/riassunto

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.