From cognitive to moral enhancement: A possible reconciliation of religious outlooks and the biotechnological creation of a better human

Rakić, Vojin (2012) From cognitive to moral enhancement: A possible reconciliation of religious outlooks and the biotechnological creation of a better human. Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 11 (31). pp. 113-128. ISSN 1583-0039

Text VRakic_JouStudyReligIdeol_2012_31.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (111kB)

Abstract

Religious outlooks on the use of new bio-technologies for the purpose of cognitive enhancement of humans are generally not favorably disposed to interventions in what is regarded as ordained by God or shaped by nature. I will present a number of perspectives that are derived from these outlooks and contrast them to the liberal standpoint. Subsequently, I will discuss two views that are compatible with religious outlooks, but that do not exclude cognitive enhancement altogether. They only pose significant moral limitations to it. These two views are: 1) cognitive enhancement of the human ought to be preceded by moral enhancement; 2) cognitive enhancement is morally permissible only as a means to moral enhancement. I will argue in favor of the superiority of the second view and assert that this view might be a sound platform for defining the relationship between religion(s) and bioethics in the decades and centuries to come.

Actions (login required)

View Item