Phenomenological Reviews

Book | Chapter

182841

Human enhancement and personal identity

Philip Brey

pp. 169-185

Abstract

In this essay, I will investigate the implications of human enhancement for personal identity and assess likely social and ethical consequences of these changes. Human enhancement, also called human augmentation, is an emerging field within medicine and bioengineering that aims to develop technologies and techniques for overcoming current limitations of human cognitive and physical abilities (Naam, 2004; Wilsdon and Miller, 2006; Garreau, 2005; Parens, 1998; Agar, 2004). Technologies developed in this field are called human enhancement technologies (HETs). HETs rely on advances in genetic engineering, pharmacology, bioengineering, cybernetics and nanotechnology. In these fields, it is becoming possible to develop techniques that improve human functions beyond a normal range. The envisioned applications are limitless, and include the enhancement of human traits like muscular strength, endurance, vision, intelligence, mood and personality.

Publication details

Published in:

Berg Olsen Jan Kyrre, Selinger Evan, Riis Søren (2009) New waves in philosophy of technology. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 169-185

DOI: 10.1057/9780230227279_9

Full citation:

Brey Philip (2009) „Human enhancement and personal identity“, In: J. K. Berg Olsen, E. Selinger & S. Riis (eds.), New waves in philosophy of technology, Dordrecht, Springer, 169–185.