Enhancement, hybris, and solidarity: a critical analysis of Sandel ’s The Case Against Perfection

This article presents a critical analysis of the views of Michael Sandel on human enhancement in his bookThe Case Against Perfection (2007). Sandel argues that the use of biotechnologies for human enhancement is driven by a will to mastery orhybris, leading to an ‘explosion of responsibility’ and a disappearance of solidarity. I argue that Sandel is using a traditional concept of solidarity which leaves little room for individual differences and which is difficult to reconcile with the modern trend towards individual autonomy and cultural heterogeneity. With reference to the sociology of Giddens, I argue that the ‘explosion of responsibility’ can be considered an expression of the insecurity in modern society and the need forreflexivity in personal and social life. I argue that the need for reflexivity is a driving social and cultural force behind the interest in human enhancement, and that this trend can go together with a commitment to take care of the needs of others. I agree with Sandel that there is a risk that human enhancement may develop into ‘hybris’, particularly when enhancement is driven by scientism and a naturalist reduction of human values to neurological processes. Enhancement based on scientism will threaten solidarity defined by Honneth as an interactive relationship aimed at the mutual recognition of individual identities in relation to a shared value horizon. I will call for a reflective approach in which human enhancement technologies are expl...
Source: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research