ChatGPT WROTE THIS TITLE: WHAT UNDERLIES DISAGREEMENT ABOUT HUMAN ENHANCEMENTS

Abstract

From extraordinary running shoes to performance enhancing drugs, to DNA editing and ChatGPT, humans in 2023 are being enhanced and assisted in unprecedented ways. This thesis engages with debates about the use of enhancements in three contexts: sports, procreation, and self-development. Rather than argue for or against the use of enhancements in a given context, my goal is to identify the underlying preferences, values, and opinions which motivate disagreement between pro and anti-enhancement positions. I conclude that opposing sides of the debate differ based on the extent to which they maintain:

(a) Sports’ regulations should be concerned with preserving intertemporal fairness; and/or sports are essentially about pure human performance. (b) Procreation is about appreciating what we are gifted more than it is about trying to ensure that one’s child has the best chance of the best life. (c) Self and/or skill development is more important than the benefits of enhancements which undermine opportunities for self and/or skill development.

On the way to identifying these turning points in different debates, this thesis provides evaluative frameworks to assess a wide range of enhancing technologies.