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The volume is collection of articles treating the topic of human improvement/enhancement from a variety of perspectives - philosophical, literary, medical, genetic, sociological, legal etc.The chapters in this volume treat not only those aspects that most immediately come to mind when one thinks of 'human enhancement', such as genetic engineering, cloning, artificial implants and artificial intelligence etc. Somewhat less obvious aspects include evolutionary perspectives in connection with the prolongation of the human lifespan, plastic surgery since its beginnings, and questions such as whether the distinction between 'natural' and 'artificial' can really be drawn at all and how it has been conceived across the ages, or what the legal implications are of recent developments and techniques. Many papers make links to the representation of these developments in popular culture, from Jules Verne through Aldous Huxley to the movie Gattaca, address the hopes and fears that come with them as well as the question how realistic these are.While all chapters are written by scientists at the international top of their respective fields, all are accessible to a non-specialist audience and eminently readable. We believe that they represent a state-of-the art overview of questions that are of interest to a large audience.The book thus targets a non-specialist audience with an interest in philosophical, sociological, scientific and legal issues involved in both traditional and recent matters concerning the desire of mankind to improve itself, the human body, the human mind and the human condition. It is unique in that it brings together all these aspects within a coherent and cohesive collection.
List of contents
Towards Homo Manufactus? An Introduction to this Volume.- Historical and Philosophical Reflections on Natural, Enhanced and Artificial Men and Women.- Changing the Body Through the Centuries.- Human Enhancement in Future Explorations.- Genetic Enhancement of Human Beings: Reality or Fiction? Gulliver's Next Travels: A Journey into the Land of Biomaterials and Synthetic Life.- Human Robots and Robotic Humans.- Human Enhancement, Evolution and Lifespan: Evolving Towards Immortality? Opting for Prevention: Human Enhancement and Genetic Testing.- A Unique Copy: The Life and Identity of Clones in Literary Fiction.- Parents' Responsibility for Their Choices Regarding the Enhancement of Their Child.- Concerning 'Humans' and 'Human' Rights. Human Enhancement from the Perspective of Fundamental Rights.- Conclusion: The Debate About Human Enhancement.
About the author
Bert-Jaap Koops (1967) is professor of Regulation and Technology at Tilburg University and a member of The Young Academy. He studied Mathematics as well as General Literature at the University of Groningen, and obtained a PhD in Law at Tilburg University. He researches the relation between technology (ICT, bio-, nano-, and neurotechnology) and regulation issues, focusing on digital rights, digital crime, privacy, DNA forensics, and human enhancement.
Christoph Lüthy (1964) teaches History of Science at Radboud University Nijmegen and is a member of The Young Academy. He studied Philosophy and Modern Linguistics at Oxford and Physics at Basel, and obtained his PhD in the History of Science at Harvard. His research focuses on the historical interaction between the natural sciences and philosophy.
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From the reviews:
“Expert scientists review the gains in scientific capabilities to correct and enhance the human condition, beginning with historical reflections on past attempts to improve humankind through various eugenic programs that have since been labeled unethical. … Many of the scenarios presented are compelling, and the potential outcomes will excite the imagination of a wide audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, general, and professional library collections.” (R. A. Hoots, Choice, Vol. 51 (7), March, 2014)
“One of the greatest strengths of Engineering the Human: Human Enhancement Between Fiction and Fascination is to provide information regarding the progress of some very creative applications of science such as the creation of intelligent robots, genetic alteration, and the creation of biomaterials. … The book is appropriate for a wide range of scientists who are interested in science fiction, ethics, and the creative application of science to the human condition.” (Robert D. Mather, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 59 (5), February, 2014)
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From the reviews:
"Expert scientists review the gains in scientific capabilities to correct and enhance the human condition, beginning with historical reflections on past attempts to improve humankind through various eugenic programs that have since been labeled unethical. ... Many of the scenarios presented are compelling, and the potential outcomes will excite the imagination of a wide audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic, general, and professional library collections." (R. A. Hoots, Choice, Vol. 51 (7), March, 2014)
"One of the greatest strengths of Engineering the Human: Human Enhancement Between Fiction and Fascination is to provide information regarding the progress of some very creative applications of science such as the creation of intelligent robots, genetic alteration, and the creation of biomaterials. ... The book is appropriate for a wide range of scientists who are interested in science fiction, ethics, and the creative application of science to the human condition." (Robert D. Mather, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 59 (5), February, 2014)
