1st Edition
Enhancement Fit for Humanity Perspectives on Emerging Technologies
This book explores what constitutes an enhancement fit for humanity in the age of nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, information technologies, and technologies related to the cognitive sciences. It considers the influence of emergent technology upon our understanding of human nature and the impact on future generations. Drawing on the Catholic tradition, in particular, the book gathers international contributions from scientific, philosophical, legal, and religious perspectives. Together they offer a positive step in an ongoing dialogue regarding the promises and perils of emergent technology for man’s integral human development.
Part 1 Scientific Perspectives on Emerging Technologies
1 Emerging and Converging Technologies: The State of the Art in Therapeutics
Francisco José Ballesta
2 Cognitive and Memory Neuroenhancement
Mirko Daniel Garasic
3 Is Neuroenhancement Ethical or Unethical?: An Open Issue
Donatella Marazziti and Federico Mucci
4 Enhancement and Doping in Sports
Simona Pichini
Part 2 Philosophical Perspectives on Emerging Technologies
5 Anthropological and Neuroethical Elements of the Pursuit of Neurocybernetic Immortality in the Global 2045 Initiative
Alberto Carrara
6 For and Against Human Enhancement
Laura Palazzant
7 Human Nature and the Philosophical Challenges of a Posthuman Society
Louis Melahn
8 Toward the Abolition of the Idea of Human Nature and the Ushering in of Another "Advent of a New Man"
Elena Postigo Solana
9 Healthier Than Healthy: The Moral Case for Therapeutic Enhancements
Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco
10 Resisting the Temptations of Perfection
Joseph Tham
11 From Gender to Transgender and Transhumanism
Francesco Giordano
12 A Thomistic Assessment of Contemporary Transhumanism as a Postmodern, Secular, Liberal Movement
Michael Baggot
Part 3 Social and Legal Perspectives on Emerging Technologies
13 Which Juridic Norms Should Regulate New Converging Technologies?
Stefano Semplici
14 The Impact of Neurotechnologies on Human Rights and Justice
Alberto García Gómez and Chiara Ariano
Part 4 Religious Perspectives on Emerging Technologies and Transhumanism
15 Buddhist Reflections on the Development of Biotechnology
Maria Angela Falà
16 Islam and Transhumanism
Ilhamallah Chiara Ferrero
17 Questions and Answers on Human Enhancement in the Jewish Tradition
Mirko Daniel Garasic
Biography
Michael Baggot is Assistant Professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy.
Alberto García Gómez is Pro-Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy and Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights.
Alberto Carrara is Coordinator of the Italian Research Group in Neurobioethics in Rome, Italy.
Joseph Tham is Professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy.
