My Better Nature, by Peter Singer

Just came across an essay by the ethics powerhouse Peter Singer. To read his work is to sign up for some serious soul-searching. This gem packs in ethics, evolutionary psychology, determinism, gene-hacking and (thus) transhumanism.

Link: My Better Nature, by Peter Singer.

Marx once wrote: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is, to change it." He was not thinking of genetic change, but his comment will soon apply to that area, too. Within the present century, we are likely to learn how to change the genes of future generations to make human nature flow in the direction we want it to flow. That knowledge will bring an awesome responsibility, a responsibility that some think should never be exercised: the responsibility of deciding to improve human nature.

Comments

[MF]

Thought provoking premise, though I'm more immediately impressed with the Snapshot hyperlinks you've got going. Snazzy.

[MQMurphy]

Hadn't heard of him until recently. I started reading his "Animal Liberation" a little while ago. It was first published in 1975 - I'm reading the third edition (with three intros '75, '90, and '02). His writing is beautiful - clarity and art.
I was a little nervous when I started the book that he'd be so persuasive that I'd be facing a dilemma by the time I finished it . . . not finished yet, but not as worried. A good philosopher doesn't impose a point of view on you as much as plants it within you to grow.

[MQMurphy]

. . . and I agree with M(ike)F - marvelous bells and weasels you've got on here!