Enhancement vs. Therapy

Definition

Enhancement refers to the use of technology or medical interventions to improve human capabilities beyond the normal healthy range, while therapy focuses on restoring normal function or health in individuals suffering from diseases or disorders. The distinction between these two concepts is crucial in discussions surrounding the ethics of biotechnology, as it raises questions about what it means to be human and the moral implications of altering human abilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The debate over enhancement vs. therapy is significant in bioethics, as it challenges traditional views on health, illness, and what it means to live a good life.
2. Therapeutic interventions aim to cure diseases or alleviate suffering, while enhancement aims to provide advantages or improvements in physical or cognitive abilities.
3. The line between therapy and enhancement can often blur; for instance, using gene editing to prevent genetic disorders may be seen as therapeutic, while using the same technology to enhance intelligence would be viewed as enhancement.
4. Critics of enhancement argue that it could lead to inequality, as not everyone may have access to these technologies, potentially widening the gap between different socio-economic groups.
5. Proponents argue that enhancement technologies can lead to improved quality of life and help individuals reach their full potential, raising ethical questions about societal values and priorities.

Review Questions

• How do the concepts of enhancement and therapy differ in their ethical implications within biotechnology?
  • The ethical implications of enhancement and therapy differ mainly in their intended outcomes and societal impacts. Therapy is focused on restoring health and addressing medical needs, which is generally accepted as a moral obligation in healthcare. In contrast, enhancement raises questions about fairness, equity, and the potential consequences of altering what is considered 'normal' human functioning. The ongoing debate centers on whether enhancing capabilities is a right or a privilege and how this could reshape our understanding of health and identity.
• Discuss the potential societal consequences if enhancement technologies become widely available, particularly in relation to existing inequalities.
  • If enhancement technologies become widely available, there could be significant societal consequences, particularly concerning existing inequalities. Access to enhancements may be limited by economic factors, leading to a divide between those who can afford these technologies and those who cannot. This could create a new form of inequality where enhanced individuals may have advantages in education, employment, and social status over those who remain unenhanced. Such disparities raise ethical concerns about justice and equity in society, compelling policymakers to consider regulations that ensure fair access to biotechnological advancements.
• Evaluate how the distinction between enhancement and therapy might impact future regulations and public policies regarding biotechnology.
  • The distinction between enhancement and therapy will likely play a critical role in shaping future regulations and public policies related to biotechnology. Policymakers will need to consider how these definitions influence funding, research priorities, and ethical guidelines for biotechnology applications. As enhancements become more feasible, questions about consent, equity, and societal values will come to the forefront of regulatory discussions. There may be calls for stricter regulations on enhancements to prevent abuses or unintended societal consequences while ensuring that therapeutic advancements remain accessible for those in need. This evaluation will help create a framework that balances innovation with ethical responsibility.

Related terms

Transhumanism: A philosophical movement advocating for the enhancement of the human condition through advanced technologies, including genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or biological systems to develop products and technologies that improve human life, including medical treatments and enhancements.

Genetic Modification: The alteration of an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits, which can be used for both therapeutic purposes and enhancements.