Special Lecture :
"The Ethics of the Enhancement of Human Beings"

This lecture will examine the current possibilities for the technological enhancement of human beings, including genetic enhancement and enhancement of athletic performance using drugs. I will examine the argument that when an enhancement improves a person's life, that is, increases his or her well-being, we have a moral obligation to provide that enhancement. I will examine a range of objections, including objections that we cannot know what kinds of biological modifications will improve a person's life and that we should not interfere with human nature. I will examine the claim that there is an important distinction between therapy and enhancement, and that we should only provide therapy not enhancement. Finally, I will consider the objection that enhancements which provide mainly competitive advantage, such as enhancement in sport, should not be permitted.- J. Savulescu