Beyond Therapy and Enhancement: The Alteration of Human Nature

Abstract

With the rapid progress and considerable promise of nanobiotechnology/neurosciences there is the potential of transforming the very nature of human beings and of how humans can conceive of themselves as rational animals through technological innovations. The interface between humans and machines (neurodigital interface), can potentially alter what it means to be human, i.e., the very idea of human nature and of normal functioning will be changed. In this paper, I argue that we are potentially on the verge of a paradigm shift in terms of the ends and goals of techno-science and its applications in the biomedical sciences. In particular, the development of brain-computer interfaces could reconceptualize the very notion of what it means to be human. Hence, we should not limit our reflections of applications in terms of therapy and enhancement but also include an examination of applications aiming at the alteration of human nature. To this end I will first delineate the potential paradigm shift and then map out four distinct clusters of concerns in relation to the brain-computer interface. Finally, I argue that our moral and philosophical reflections should follow a procedural model based on managed consensus due to our pluralistic context.

Nanoimplants that Enhance Human Capabilities: A Cognitive‐Affective Approach to Assess Individuals’ Acceptance of this Controversial Technology

“…Sophisticated devices, such as a wireless brain–computer interface implantable in the skull of paralyzed people, allow them to control TVs, wheelchairs, or other tools (Regalado, ). However, some implantable devices transcend the medical function to increase people's capabilities, such as mental agility, memory, or physical strength, or even enable new ones, such as the remote control of machines (Buchanan, ; Gasson, Kosta, & Bowman, ; Jotterand, ; Lin & Allhoff, ; Robitaille, ). Hypothetically, these devices should allow for hyperperforming bodies capable of excelling in the workplace and other social contexts.…”

‘Human Enhancement’? It’s all About ‘Body Modification’! Why We Should Replace the Term ‘Human Enhancement’ with ‘Body Modification’

“…The three distinct levels of 'therapy', 'enhancement' and 'alteration' proposed by Jotterand [6] cannot be distinguished with any precision and often tend to overlap. These categories are not only based on highly subjective, non-universal assumptions, but also refer to sub-definitions such as our understanding of 'health', 'disease or disability', 'artificial' and 'natural'.…”

“…In this context, mention should also be made of the 'three levels of application of emerging technologies in neuroscience' discussed by Fabrice Jotterand [6], because they draw together the problems raised both by the definition of the 'natural', and by the differentiation between 'healthiness' and 'disease or disability': Level 1: Therapy, which means the restoration of damaged functions. Level 2: Enhancement with the focus on the transcending of normal capacities.…”

Rethinking Human Enhancement

“…(1) augmentation, (2) alteration (Jotterand, 2008), (3) design evolution (Canton, 2004) or (4) human reengineering (Hook, 2007).…”