ABSTRACT
Clarifying the discussion about criteria for a reasonable use of in vitro fertilisation means raising awareness of the underlying concepts in reproductive medicine, e.g. of the concept of nature. Reproductive technologies are often critizised for their potential to transform human nature. Technology has indeed the potential to transform human nature, whatever it is. This potential may materialise according to our concepts of nature. M. Heidegger has explained philosophically which consequences creating and applying technology might have. Technology has changed our world and ourselves. Technologically shaped realities influence in turn our perception and conception of nature. So technology might sometimes even be a means to hide problems behind its surface potential. The increasing nature-mastering potential of our modern technology seems to open a wide, almost unlimited range of options for the individual, but creates at the same time dependency on technology and on the consequences of its application.
