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Could there be a superhuman species?

Oderberg, D. S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9585-0515 (2014) Could there be a superhuman species? The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 52 (2). pp. 206-226. ISSN 0038-4283

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1111/sjp.12057

Abstract/Summary

Transhumanism is the school of thought that advocates the use of technology to enhance the human species, to the point where some supporters consider that a new species altogether could arise. Even some critics think this at least a technological possibility. Some supporters also believe the emergence of a new, improved, superhuman species raises no special ethical questions. Through an examination of the metaphysics of species, and an analysis of the essence of the human species, I argue that the existence of an embodied, genuinely superhuman species is a metaphysical impossibility. Finally, I point out an interesting ethical consideration that this metaphysical truth raises.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Philosophy
ID Code:39607
Publisher:Department of Philosophy, University of Memphis

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