Human Enhancement and Transhumanism: An Accepted Change?

Abstract

Enhancement medicine, a step close to transhumanism, has positioned itself in our society. Transhumanism aims to use science and technology to take human beings beyond the limitations of their natural form, with the intention of subsequently moving to posthumanism, the creation of a new species.

Recent scientific advances, especially in the genetic field, may make these options possible. Electromechanical innovations, such as the miniaturization of components and the improvement of biocompatible materials, have led to advances in brain-machine interfaces that enhance a cybernetic dimension, in which mechanical devices would be under the direct control of the mind.

The field of Health Sciences is particularly fruitful for the application of these technologies, leading to improvements in the human being, which can be applied to the medicine of enhancement and transhumanism.

This reflection offers an overview of the most important of these recent advances, with special emphasis on genome editing. Issues of posthumanism will not be specifically considered.