How human nature can inform human enhancement

a commentary on Tim Lewens's human nature

Ramsey E. Ramsey

pp. 479-483

in: Russell Powell, Guy Kahane, Julian Savulescu (eds), Evolution, genetic engineering and human enhancement, Philosophy & Technology 25 (4), 2012.

Abstract

In this commentary on Lewens (2012), I argue that although his criticisms of Machery's (2008) conception of human nature are sound, I disagree with his conclusion that human nature cannot inform us regarding issues of human enhancement. I introduce a framework for understanding human nature, the "life history trait cluster account," which aligns the concept of human nature with the human sciences and allows human nature to inform questions of human enhancement.

Cited authors

Lewens Tim