Утилитаризм и коммунитаризм: два подхода к проблеме биотехнологического улучшения человека

Вопросы философии. 2018. № 5. С. 114–124.

Yudin G.

Novel biotechnologies drastically enhance human capacities. However, initial optimism concerning new methods of therapy and body modification gradually gives way to fears that technologies can easily get out of hand and alter human nature in an undesirable way. Philosophers approach bioethical discussion from various assumptions and perspectives: while some of them believe that new technologies enhance and better human beings, others are concerned those technological innovations can be perilous. This paper overviews the discussion between utilitarians and bioconservatives on the extent to which human enhancement technologies should be permitted. I suggest an alternative communitarian approach to consider human beings primarily as members of political communities and recognition-seekers. I take the debate on doping legalization in sports to demonstrate how communitarianism doesn’t reject new technologies and still argues for making them work for preservation and flourishing of human communities. All major decisions on regulating biotechnologies should be made by communities themselves in a democratic
way and drawing on bioethical expertise.

Keywords: утилитаризм, сообщество, utilitarianism, community, communitarianism, коммунитаризм, биоэтика, улучшение человека, bioethics, doping, допинг, human enhancement