Eugenic selection of embryos is now possible by employing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and
preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). While PGD is currently being employed for the
purposes of detecting chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic abnormalities, it …

Unfit for the Future argues that the future of our species depends on our urgently finding
ways to bring about radical enhancement of the moral aspects of our own human nature. We
have rewritten our own moral agenda by the drastic changes we have made to the …

In 490 BC, the Persian Army landed on the plain of Marathon, 25 miles from Athens. The
Athenians sent a messenger named Feidipides to Sparta to ask for help. He ran the 150
miles in two days. The Spartans were late. The Athenians attacked and, although …

To what extent should we use technology to try to make better human beings? Because of
the remarkable advances in biomedical science, we must now find an answer to this
question. Human enhancement aims to increase human capacities above normal levels …

Shakespeare wrote that “Conscience is but a word cowards use, devised at first to keep the
strong in awe”(Richard III V. iv. 1.7). Conscience, indeed, can be an excuse for vice or
invoked to avoid doing one's duty. When the duty is a true duty, conscientious objection is …

According to what we call the Principle of Procreative Beneficence (PB), couples who decide
to have a child have a significant moral reason to select the child who, given his or her
genetic endowment, can be expected to enjoy the most well‐being. In the first part of this …

abstract As history shows, some human beings are capable of acting very immorally. 1
Technological advance and consequent exponential growth in cognitive power means that
even rare evil individuals can act with catastrophic effect. The advance of science makes …

After identification of an important research question and selection of an appropriate study
design, waste can arise from the regulation, governance, and management of biomedical
research. Obtaining regulatory and governance approval has become increasingly …

Papers p 634 In Britain the Alder Hey scandal brought to public attention the fact that body
material left over after diagnostic procedures may be used for teaching and research—
usually without the patient9s consent. Paul van Diest argues that, Alder Hey apart, this …

The results of recent empirical investigations in research synthesis imply that research ethics
committees are behaving unethically by endorsing new research which is unnecessary and
by acquiescing in biased under-reporting of research which they have approved. The …