1:46 p.m., Dec. 11, 2009----Tom Powers, director of the Science, Ethics and Policy Program (SEPP) and assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Delaware, presented a talk entitled “Kantian Humanism and Human Enhancement” as part of a seminar series on philosophical research hosted by the Program on Ethics of the New Biosciences and the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University on Dec. 2.

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The term “human enhancement” refers to the use of medicine, technology, or techniques to improve people's abilities; for example, pills that enhance happiness, memory or alertness; drugs or training techniques that improve strength and stamina; and drugs or medical procedures that extend the life span.

“My talk at Oxford was an analysis of several ethical aspects of the enhancement of human abilities and appearance,” said Powers, an ethicist who focuses on emerging technologies and the relationship between science and values. “For centuries, people have used technologies to enhance themselves and increase their social status, prospects for finding mates, and chances of survival. Now, people implant silicone in their bodies, take drugs such as EPO and anabolic steroids, and undergo surgeries, for many of the same reasons.”

According to Powers, ethical questions related to this topic arise within and across generations.

“In the future, we will be tempted by nanotechnology, cybertechnology, neurotechnology and genetic technology to attain these ends,” Powers said. “Technologies confer a competitive advantage; very expensive, science-based enhancements are not likely to be available to everyone.

“There are many kinds of interests at stake here -- both for the autonomy and well-being of future humans and for the environment in which they will live,” Powers added.

In his talk at Oxford, Powers compared these ethical questions to those raised by the ethical theory of the 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant.

“I'm interested in whether 21st century technologies of enhancement will be compatible with the way we think humans ought to be treated and valued,” said Powers.

Anders Sandberg, a James Martin Research Fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute, said that the Program on Ethics of the New Biosciences is currently examining the ethical issues and social and regulatory implications surrounding cognitive enhancement.

“Human enhancement is one of the four main topics we are looking at,” said Sandberg. “For example, this summer we organized a workshop where we explored the likely social consequences of widespread mild cognitive enhancement. We have also looked at how evolutionary considerations may help estimate what enhancements are likely to have unexpected bad side effects, and how cognitive biases such as status quo bias may distort the bioethical debate.”

Article by Katie Ginder-Vogel