The paper is subdivided into three parts. In the first the current debate on human enhancement is presented, with specific reference to its interdisciplinary characteristics and also to the aspects which explicitly challenge "the human condition" as a whole. The second and third parts attempt to frame the comprehensive area of questioning opened by such a perspective, which is grounded in the practical philosophy of Aristotle – a model that seems particularly neglected within the human enhancement debate. Specifically, part two is devoted to a "rehabilitation" of the theory of justice and fairness developed in the Nicomachean Ethics. In turn, part three goes into detail with reference to the taxonomy used, and tries to sketch out a possible area of theoretical application regarding both the rights of restoring and possible criteria of legitimate advantage. The proposal outlined is also integrated by a synthetic list of possible points of criticism which might be taken seriously into account in a wider and deeper exploration of this approach to the topic.
Towards a 'Human Enhancement Society'? Opportunities for an Aristotelian Approach to Frame the Question
PIRNI, ALBERTO EUGENIO ERMENEGILDO
2014-01-01
Abstract
The paper is subdivided into three parts. In the first the current debate on human enhancement is presented, with specific reference to its interdisciplinary characteristics and also to the aspects which explicitly challenge "the human condition" as a whole. The second and third parts attempt to frame the comprehensive area of questioning opened by such a perspective, which is grounded in the practical philosophy of Aristotle – a model that seems particularly neglected within the human enhancement debate. Specifically, part two is devoted to a "rehabilitation" of the theory of justice and fairness developed in the Nicomachean Ethics. In turn, part three goes into detail with reference to the taxonomy used, and tries to sketch out a possible area of theoretical application regarding both the rights of restoring and possible criteria of legitimate advantage. The proposal outlined is also integrated by a synthetic list of possible points of criticism which might be taken seriously into account in a wider and deeper exploration of this approach to the topic.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
