Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book overviews the important features of Hans Jonas' ethics of responsibility and additionally points out the strengths and weaknesses of his approach. It deals with topics concerning human nature against the background of moral responsibility, and examines some highly important contemporary problems such as inclusion and disability, ageing, and the vulnerability of future generations. The book provides a discussion of Hans Jonas' philosophy of religion, and critically examines the complex relation between ethics and nature in his philosophy. It concerns the important theme of ethics and responsibility in the bio-technological age by appealing to Hans Jonas' general approach and the idea of moral enhancement. The book examines Jonas' ethical approach by appealing to three main problems: the dichotomy of fact and value, the biological roots of responsibility for others and future generations, and Jonas' critique of the so-called 'Marxist utopia'.