ABSTRACT
With ever-advancing scientific understanding and technological capabilities, humanity stands on the brink of the potential next stage of evolution: evolution engineered by us. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science offer the possibility to enhance human performance, lengthen life-span and reshape our inherited physical, cognitive and emotional identities. But with this promise come huge risks, complex choices and fundamental ethical questions: about evolution; about what it is to be human; and about control over, and the distribution of benefits from, new technology. Written by a range of experts in science, technology, bioethics and social science, Unnatural Selection examines the range of technological innovations offering lives that purport to be longer, stronger, smarter and happier, and asks whether their introduction is likely to lead to more fulfilled individuals and a fairer world. The breadth of approaches and perspectives make important reading for anyone who cares about the implications of humanity engineering its own evolution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|22 pages
Introduction
part II|25 pages
One World or Several?
chapter 5|8 pages
On ‘Life-Enhancing' Technologies and the Democratic Discourse
part III|25 pages
The Nature of Human Natures
part IV|33 pages
Longer?
part V|18 pages
Stronger?
part VI|29 pages
Smarter?
part VII|18 pages
Happier?
part VIII|31 pages
Fairer?
chapter 23|8 pages
Towards a Fairer Distribution of Technology in Maintaining Human Health
part IX|22 pages
Governable?
part X|9 pages
Postscript