Enhancing Human Traits: Ethical and Social Implications (Hastings Center Studies in Ethics)

About this book

In this volume scholars from philosophy sociology history theology womens studies and law explore the looming ethical and social implications of new biotechnologies that are rapidly making it possible to enhance an individuals mental and physical attributes in ways previously only imagined. To clarify the issues the contributors grapple with the central concept of "enhancement" and probe the uses and abuses of the term. Focusing in particular on the moral issues pertaining to cosmetic surgery and cosmetic psychopharmacology (a category which includes Prozac) they also examine notions of identity authenticity normality and complicity. Other essays in this collection address the social ramifications of the new technologies including the problems of access and fairness.