Title of the Article: Human Enhancement: The Scientific and Ethical Dimensions of Striving for
Perfection by David Masci
1. Summary (1–2 paragraphs)
“We’re fast approaching the moment when humans and machines merge”, as it was said here
human are indeed innovating and advancing mind-blowingly. From massively large computers that fill a
whole room to technologies at nanoscale. Similarly, from fictional characters like superheroes to making
them come to life. Throughout time, with human’s intelligence and curiosity we had a lot of modern
scientific breakthroughs with CRISPR method as one of it Through this, scientists now have an accurate
and efficient editing of genes that sets the step towards, aside from healing and treating, improving and
changing humans that is either fortunate or unfortunate depending on how it will face ethical values.
The brain chip, TALOS, synthetic blood, etc. as said by Joel Garreau, these technologies are
“intermingling and feeding on one another, and they are collectively creating a curve of change unlike
anything we humans have ever seen.” Altering adults’ brains and genes to treat disabilities and illnesses
as we discover operating at a nanoscale, even babies are can be designed and edit just before they’re born.
Arguably, Nicholas Agar says, “we are no longer living in a time when we can say we either want to
enhance or we don’t.” But Vita-More said that enhancement is simply a very practical way to make our
lives better. Additionally, Hughes believe that “the more ability we have as individuals, the better we
become.” However, Fagella argue that to be a super-einstein won’t make us happier and that the courage,
fidelity, fortitude, generosity, hope, moderation, perseverance, etc. are cultivated through all life
circumstances as guaranteed by a Catholic Philosopher, John Haldane. Eventually, these intangible
wholesome things we can ever experience as human will never be given by enhancement. Lastly,
enhancement unfortunately widen more the gap between rich and poor as it makes extraordinary
capabilities it unsurprisingly cost extraordinary as well.
2. Personal Reaction (2–3 paragraphs)
How did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How
did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How did this
reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity?
3. Ethical and Social Reflection (1–2 paragraphs)
How did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How
did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How did this
reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity?
4. Connection to Course Themes (1–2 paragraphs)
How did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How
did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How did this
reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity?
5. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
How did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How
did this reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity? How did this
reading affect your understanding of science, ethics, or the future of humanity?
