@article{1386101,
      recid = {1386101},
      author = {Agar, Nicholas,},
      title = {Truly human enhancement : a philosophical defense of  limits /},
      pages = {1 online resource (233 pages) :},
      abstract = {The transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic  technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often  either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed  as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas  Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate  human enhancement -- improvements to attributes and  abilities that do not significantly exceed what is  currently possible for human beings. He argues against  radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly  exceed current human capabilities. Agar explores notions of  transformative change and motives for human enhancement;  distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value  of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement  undermines human identity; considers the possibility of  cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical  life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement,  Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better  understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather  than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets  the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically  enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may  inadvertently create beings ("post-persons") with moral  status higher than that of persons. If we create beings  more entitled to benefits and protections against harms  than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the  unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more  appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to  technology.},
      url = {http://library.usi.edu/record/1386101},
}