Professor Fabrice Jotterand about human dignity and transhumanism with Radu Golban in Compass

“Ethics in health science education is more than compliance to rules and norms. It is about character development and the acquisition of the intellectual habits that will define one’s path in clinical practice and biomedical research.” - Fabrice Jotterand, PhD, MA
Dr. Fabrice Jotterand joined MCW in 2016 where he is Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities and serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Bioethics. He is also the resident philosopher at the MCW Kern Institute where he directs the Philosophies of Medical Education Transformation Laboratory (P-METaL). At Kern his work examines the importance of character formation and practical wisdom in the moral development of future physicians as well as how the philosophy of medicine contributes to medical professionalism. He holds a second appointment as Senior Researcher at the Institute for Biomedical Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. He is originally from Switzerland but moved to the United States in 1995 for his education and subsequent academic career.
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Human dignity is a concept that refers to the inherent worth and value of every human being, regardless of their characteristics or abilities. It is often considered a fundamental principle in ethics and human rights. Transhumanism, on the other hand, is a philosophical movement that advocates for the use of technology to enhance human capabilities and transcend our biological limitations.
When examining the relationship between human dignity and transhumanism, there are several critical ideas that can be explored:
Commodification of Human Beings: Transhumanist ideas often involve viewing humans as products that can be improved or upgraded through technological enhancements. This perspective raises concerns about reducing human beings to mere objects or commodities, potentially undermining the intrinsic worth and dignity of individuals.
Equality and Access: Transhumanist technologies have the potential to create significant disparities between those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot. This could exacerbate existing social inequalities, leading to a society where only the privileged few have access to enhanced capabilities. Such a scenario challenges the principle of equal dignity for all individuals.
Loss of Human Essence: Critics argue that transhumanist pursuits may lead to a loss of what it means to be human. By altering our biology and cognitive abilities, we risk losing important aspects of our humanity, such as vulnerability, mortality, and the capacity for growth through adversity. These qualities are seen by some as integral to our understanding of human dignity.
Ethical Considerations: The pursuit of transhumanist technologies raises complex ethical questions regarding consent, safety, and unintended consequences. For example, enhancing certain traits or abilities may inadvertently lead to unforeseen negative impacts on individuals or society as a whole. It is crucial to critically examine these ethical implications before embracing widespread transhumanist practices.
Focus on Enhancement vs. Social Issues: Critics argue that transhumanism places too much emphasis on individual enhancement rather than addressing pressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to basic healthcare and education. Prioritizing technological enhancements over societal well-being may undermine the principles of human dignity by neglecting the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
These critical ideas highlight some of the concerns surrounding transhumanism and its potential impact on human dignity. It is important to engage in thoughtful discussions and ethical considerations when exploring the intersection between technology, human enhancement, and our understanding of what it means to be human.