Kant and Transhumanism. Deontological Perspectives for the “New Human”?

Abstract

With regard to transhumanism and human enhancement, there exists a specifically deontological Kantian perspective which has been neglected until now. Not only is it possible to take a positive attitude towards transhumanism and human enhancement with its help. It also provides a very unique approach to the topic that is closed to the classic utilitarian-consequentialist approach. This article first provides examples of the usual Kantian critique of the topic. It then suggests what a positive interpretation could look like and concludes that enhancement can be re-interpreted, with Kant, as an imperfect duty of self-perfection.