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

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.