Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition by Allen Buchanan (PDF)

Description

Is it right to use biomedical technologies to make us better than well or even perhaps better than human? Should we view our biology as fixed or should we try to improve on it? College students are already taking cognitive enhancement drugs. The U.S. army is already working to develop drugs and technologies to produce “super soldiers.” Scientists already know how to use genetic engineering techniques to enhance the strength and memories of mice and the application of such technologies to humans is on the horizon.In Better Than Human, philosopher-bioethicist Allen Buchanan grapples with the ethical dilemmas of the biomedical enhancement revolution. Biomedical enhancements can make us smarter, have better memories, be stronger, quicker, have more stamina, live much longer, avoid the frailties of aging, and enjoy richer emotional lives. In spite of the benefits that biomedical enhancements may bring, many people instinctively reject them. Some worry that we will lose something important-our appreciation for what we have or what makes human beings distinctively valuable. Others assume that biomedical enhancements will only be available to the rich, with the result that social inequalities will worsen.Buchanan shows that the debate over enhancement has been distorted by false assumptions and misleading rhetoric. To think clearly about enhancement, we have to acknowledge that human nature is a mixed bag and that our species has many “design flaws.” We should be open be open to the possibility of becoming better than human, while never underestimating the risks that our attempts to improve may back-fire.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Most books on practical ethics have a very short shelf-life, as technology advances, intellectual fashions change, and philosophers evaluate the relevant issue with whatever tools are popular at the time. Buchanan’s book is different. It is beautifully written, biologically informed, and timeless. Rather than employing a controversial set of principles to assess a radically new phenomenon, Buchanan makes the plausible argument that familiar and widely shared values can be applied to moral issues surrounding biomedical enhancements. Like popular science writers ranging from Steven Pinker to Matt Ridley, Allen Buchanan writes philosophy in a way that raises deep and important issues without sacrificing clarity. He even adds a sprinkle of wit and humor to what will likely become the most important moral debate of the twenty first century. Highly recommended for scientists, bioethics classes, and intellectually curious laypeople.

⭐Came in a good condition.Needed it for my Biomedical Ethics.A good read overall, whether it be for class for leisure.

⭐Needed it for a class. It was an interesting book. He does have a tendency to jump around and take a lot of time discussing POV of others while also dismantling their views.

⭐Cognitive enhancement drugs are only part of the story of biomedical enhancement and they are already readily available. There are ethical dilemmas and great controversies with biomedical enhancements.This book demystifies biomedical enhancements and argues that it is right to use biomedical technologies to make us better because our species has many biological design flaws. We have to be on the lookout for tight biological connections that might be disrupted by our enhancement interventions. The risks should not be underestimated and biomedical enhancements should proceed responsibly. In addition, government subsidization may ease some of the implementation problems.

⭐This is a good book, based on a good understanding of what evolution is, and what it has (and hasn’t) wrought. It is thoughtful, thought-provoking, and simply and clearly written. It goes beneath the surfaces of both knee-jerk objections and knee-jerk enthusiasms. At the end, whichever side you come out on, this book is likely to have removed the panicky element in your thinking about this subject.

⭐Came in perfect condition and on time. An interesting read that makes you consider ideas you’ve probably never fathomed.

⭐Required reading for Bioethics…puts forth a very strong argument for human augmentation and clearly illustrates weak points in counter arguments very well.

⭐An important, incredibly important piece of literature to understand the movements and developments of genetic research and advancements. Written in a manner that anyone of any sort of educational background can absorb easily, which granting the content is incredibly important. Fantastic read and I strongly recommend.

⭐Excelente

⭐I’ve been reading up on biomedical enhancement over the past year or two, and I’d say this is the best overall book on the subject I’ve read so far. I’d recommend pairing it with Venter’s Life at the Speed of Light, Plomin’s Blueprint, and Anomaly’s Creating Future People to get a balance of the science and ethics of genetic enhancement.

Keywords

Free Download Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition in PDF format
Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition PDF Free Download
Download Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition 2011 PDF Free
Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition 2011 PDF Free Download
Download Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition PDF
Free Download Ebook Better than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves (Philosophy in Action) 1st Edition