The Challenge of Biotechnology

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Issue Date
2017-02-27
Language
en
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Abstract
The prospect of genetic manipulation confronts us with fundamental questions. While many authors confront the ethical side of these questions, there is in a sense a prior ontological question that must be asked, which is the question of the relation between technology and mankind. Thus, Habermas opts for only therapeutic applications of genetic manipulation. But his arguments rest on an outdated genetic determinism and essentialism. Furthermore, there is no clear demarcation between therapeutic uses of technology and enhancement uses. In contrast, Bernard Stiegler's organology provides a much stronger framework of the relationship between technology and humankind. Coupled with a historic proletarianization starting from the Industrial Revolution, his account provides us with a strong framework of understanding genetic manipulation in its pharmacological context.
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Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen