Exploring Human Enhancement through Science Fiction

research question: How can science fiction provide a means to address the questions on human enhancement?

This project addresses the meaning of science fiction narratives with respect to moral, existential and other fundamental questions on human enhancement – the (alleged) improvement of the healthy human through technologies such as biotechnology and AI. Contemporary debaters often refer to well-known science fiction literature and movies in their arguments. Opponent Leon Kass, for instance, strongly rejects “the Frankensteinian hubris to create life” of the advocates of enhancement. This project aims to show that such a reference is not a mere illustration. Because of its future focus and inherently experimental nature, science fiction can provide an important means to address essential questions on human enhancement. In order to find meaningful answers, the project investigates the many possible enhancement scenarios offered by science fiction.