ABSTRACT
It is perhaps fitting that, in this final chapter, we discuss what can be seen as the most forward-looking of the uses of the body: its modification. As we shall see, some proponents of extreme modification embrace a vision of the future in which our bodies will be capable of feats impossible for unmodified humans. There are a few commentators who are even prepared to argue that we have a moral obligation to enhance human beings (Harris 2007; Savulescu 2005, 2006). However, many consider such enhancement of human capactities morally problematic at best, and disastrous at worst. A difficulty for those with this view is how to distinguish enhancement from the many life-enhancing practices and procedures performed daily by medical professionals and individuals, such as improved nutrition, hormonal and other pharmacological treatments, and surgery.
