NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion - Volume 63, Issue 2, 2009

Recent technological developments have resulted in breakthroughs for the enhancement of human form and functioning. Current bioethical debates grant insufficient attention to theological considerations. It is increasingly difficult to defend the position that theology has an integral role to play in ethical debates. This article reflects upon four specific ethical topics related to enhancement. I will present historical theologic Read More

Developments in medical technology summon the image of a novel ‘bionic’ humanity of the cyborg. Is it possible to entirely reproduce human beings and retain their identity? This technological enhancement aims at improving the physical make-up of the human phenomenon as an individual. Mankind thus assumes control over their mental evolution, creating a techno-sapiens. This prompts the question whether reli Read More

Revolutionary progress in the life sciences and in biotechnology presents us with completely new ethical questions concerning the acceptability of individual and generic eugenics, and of the production of ‘monsters’ of different kinds (including hybrids). Cultural developments related to what is called post or late modernity create a context in which biotechnology is freely used for the realization of all sorts of extravagant desires. Read More

These days people, both men and women, are growing older. Due to a wide variety of factors, such as medical cure, care and comfort life expectancy has risen. As a consequence, human beings are intent upon ameliorating the quality of their life. That is why they turn to the medical agencies. To the rising expectations physicians, nurses, etc. respond in two ways. On the one hand they develop therapeutic policies car Read More

In biblical texts the imagery of birth is sometimes used to describe the process of creation. Equally, the language of creation is used to disclose birth and conception. In these processes human bodily experiences are regarded as essential. In addition to these biblical findings this article calls upon Hannah Arendt’s concept of natality to reflect on how to deal with genetics. The question is whether our creative strivings can refl Read More

Euthanasia can be viewed as a necessary response to extreme terminal suffering, but also as a brave expression of humans taking their destiny in their own hands. Reports sent to euthanasia review committees often motivate a patient’s choice for euthanasia in terms of an autonomous choice. On the basis of an analysis of 1,000 euthanasia cases from the review procedure in the years 2005-2008, it is argued that euthanasia in Read More

After some introductory remarks and after some comments on the contributions in this thematic issue, I am playing with the word ‘relativity’, in order to show that human enhancement is only relatively new, that some claims in this area (for instance those of the so-called Transhumanists) should be put into perspective, that human enhancement should be seen in relation to (the far-reaching impact on) society, in relation t Read More

This article reviews De Kwestie. Praktijkboek Ethiek voor de Gezondheidszorg , , , (red.), , , , ; pp., € 33,50, ISBN 9789059310681.