ABSTRACT

With ever-advancing scientific understanding and technological capabilities, humanity stands on the brink of the potential next stage of evolution: evolution engineered by us. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science offer the possibility to enhance human performance, lengthen life-span and reshape our inherited physical, cognitive and emotional identities. But with this promise come huge risks, complex choices and fundamental ethical questions: about evolution; about what it is to be human; and about control over, and the distribution of benefits from, new technology. Written by a range of experts in science, technology, bioethics and social science, Unnatural Selection examines the range of technological innovations offering lives that purport to be longer, stronger, smarter and happier, and asks whether their introduction is likely to lead to more fulfilled individuals and a fairer world. The breadth of approaches and perspectives make important reading for anyone who cares about the implications of humanity engineering its own evolution.

part I|22 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|8 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|12 pages

Radical Evolution

An Overview of the Near Future

part II|25 pages

One World or Several?

part III|25 pages

The Nature of Human Natures

chapter 6|9 pages

Beyond Human Nature

chapter 7|7 pages

Are Disabled People Human?

part IV|33 pages

Longer?

chapter 9|6 pages

Understanding Global Ageing

chapter 10|6 pages

The Ageing Process

An Evolution in Our Understanding

chapter 11|6 pages

Postponing Ageing

Re-identifying the Experts

chapter 13|5 pages

From Ageing Research to Preventive Medicine

Pathways and Obstacles

part V|18 pages

Stronger?

chapter 15|5 pages

Longevity and Regeneration

chapter 16|6 pages

Augmenting Human Beings

part VI|29 pages

Smarter?

chapter 17|13 pages

Brain Boosters

chapter 19|6 pages

The Economics of Brain Emulations

part VII|18 pages

Happier?

chapter 20|8 pages

Happier

A Psychopharmacology Perspective

chapter 21|8 pages

What's Your Mission in Life?

Why Being Happy Should Not Be Your Priority

part VIII|31 pages

Fairer?

chapter 22|11 pages

Enhancement and Fairness

chapter 23|8 pages

Towards a Fairer Distribution of Technology in Maintaining Human Health

An Example of Child Immunization in Western China

part IX|22 pages

Governable?

part X|9 pages

Postscript

chapter 28|7 pages

Choosing our Biological Future