The theological ethics of human enhancement: Genetic engineering, robotics and nanotechnology

Kotzé, Manitza

doi:10.4102/ids.v52i3.2323

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Although vaccination is not usually explicitly referred to as "Human Enhancement," motifs that drive opposing both phenomena may be very similar. For instance, some consider the technological process of introducing synthetic biology in vaccination development as an act of "playing God" [6], an all too familiar accusation raised when discussing speci c Human Enhancements and their biotechnological realization [23][24][25][26][27].…”

Section: Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

Boosting human capacities: How vaccination behavior and intention relates to attitudes toward vaccination, Human Enhancement, and naturalness

Döbler

Carbon

2023

Preprint

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Background: Even if vaccinations are widely available, a considerable number of people reject them. As sophisticated biotechnologies capable of augmenting the human body's capacities, vaccinations are an instance of Human Enhancement (HE): The effort to use technologies to improve humans. Global vaccination efforts against SARS-CoV-2 evoke public concerns similar to those in the general HE debate, namely, naturalness and invasiveness. We explore these variables and their connection to vaccination behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted an online survey (N = 314 persons) with 256 participants (81.5%) vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and n = 58 (18.5%) not vaccinated. Participants answered questions concerning their attitudes on nature and naturalness, willingness to use cognitive enhancement methods, HE, psychological effects of vaccination, and planned vaccination. Several Bayesian regression models were constructed to predict the willingness to use cognitive enhancement, attitudes toward vaccinations and HE, and whether people plan for further vaccination doses. Results: Participants were more willing to use methods to improve cognitive abilities if considered natural, non-invasive, and not used frequently. A less affirmative attitude toward naturalness was also associated with more willingness to use. Effects were primarily moderated by vaccination status. Vaccinated and unvaccinated participants differed substantially, especially in measures that reflected the attitude toward naturalness and related phenomena. Participants did not assess vaccinations as a prime example of HE. Rating of vaccination as enhancement did not reliably predict attitude on vaccination nor HE. More affirmative attitudes toward naturalness and not being vaccinated were negatively associated with the attitude toward vaccinations and HE. A positive attitude toward HE predicted a more positive attitude toward vaccinations. Support of disease control measures and attitude toward vaccinations positively predicted vaccination intention. Receiving the vaccination led to psychological relief. Conclusions: Motives of vaccination and HE refusal appear to be linked. Interventions considered unnatural and invasive are deemed unfavorable. These reasons seem more pronounced for unvaccinated participants. If HE, e.g., vaccination, constitutes an essential public health measure, concerns about the human relationship to nature, perceived naturalness, and sanctity of the human body must be sufficiently and thoughtfully addressed.

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Section: Rationalementioning

confidence: 99%

Boosting human capacities: How vaccination behavior and intention relates to attitudes toward vaccination, Human Enhancement, and naturalness

Döbler

Carbon

2023

Preprint

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“…Some sectors believe that transfer of genes across species boundaries e.g. bacteria to crop, is tantamount to 'playing GOD' and that is unacceptable [22]. However, some sections argue that whatever gene is incorporated into a host genome, is in fact an equivalent version of the original and its development is not a contravention of religious beliefs and ethical concerns [22].…”

Section: Religious Beliefs Cultural and Ethical Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…bacteria to crop, is tantamount to 'playing GOD' and that is unacceptable [22]. However, some sections argue that whatever gene is incorporated into a host genome, is in fact an equivalent version of the original and its development is not a contravention of religious beliefs and ethical concerns [22]. Despite this differences in opinion, it's agreeable that religious and ethical concerns have contributed to slowing down the adoption and utilization of transgenic crops in the sub-Saharan Africa [22].…”

Section: Religious Beliefs Cultural and Ethical Concernsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Production and Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tembo

2021

ARJA

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Food insecurity is high in sub-Saharan Africa. It has been estimated that 29 out of the 40 low income countries and countries with the highest rates of malnutrition are found in this region. Therefore, increasing agriculture productivity in sub-Saharan Africa is a priority and utilization of scientific and technological advances could enhance agricultural productivity. While the use of transgenic crops has been floated as one of the key solutions, to this effect, the region has continuously experience low levels of adoption compared to other regions. This paper reviews the state of production and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa, with an in-depth explanation of factors that may have led to low adoption levels. Furthermore, biosafety measures meant to regulate production and utilization of transgenic crops have also be discussed.

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“…In the literature on this topic, the opinions differ vary from outright dismissive (against playing God), cautiously optimistic and overall receptive, although with certain reservations (cf. Göcke 2017;Kotze 2018;Wilson 2016).…”

Section: Transhumanism and Disruptorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Homo disruptus and the future church

Ungerer

2019

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a phrase that is frequently heard in the media. This study explores the major changes that this revolution has installed for us. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is an umbrella term for many aspects, and the study takes note of the concepts like the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, artificial general intelligence, artificial superintelligence, transhumanism and Homo digitalis. The spin-off effect of this revolution may cause possible disruptive effects on Homo sapiens by creating greater numbers of Homo disruptus. The term Homo disruptus is not a frequently used term, although it can be used in conjunction with the disruption that will be part of our future. Disruption may occur because of emerging technology, robotics, unemployment, digital dictatorships and exploitation, the side effects of Homo digitalis and transhumanism. The church will be part and parcel of this world, although the church does not have to be a victim and can play a significant role in anchoring Homo disruptus with the timeless message of the gospel and finding innovative ways to deal with their disruptive world.

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The theological ethics of human enhancement: Genetic engineering, robotics and nanotechnology

Cited by 7 publications

References 16 publications

Boosting human capacities: How vaccination behavior and intention relates to attitudes toward vaccination, Human Enhancement, and naturalness

Boosting human capacities: How vaccination behavior and intention relates to attitudes toward vaccination, Human Enhancement, and naturalness

Production and Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Sub-Saharan Africa

Homo disruptus and the future church

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