Abstract
Newly discovered tools for gene editing such as CRISPR allow direct modification of the DNA of organisms. This could not only make new therapeutic applications possible. In theory, gene editing could also be used to enhance human beings or even to modify the human germline, i.e. inducing changes that could be inherited by future generations. Considering these possibilities, it comes as no surprise that the discovery of CRISPR was greeted with euphoria in transhumanist circles. Germline interventions are seen as a possible key for a posthuman future. As it will be argued here, this popular perception is based on an overly simplistic understanding of genetics and exaggerated expectations of the potential of gene editing technologies. In addition, fantasies about human enhancement also resemble emerging speculations about “super soldiers” for future warfare. While it will be maintained that genetically upgraded combatants ought to be relegated to the realm of science fiction, applications of gene editing technologies in the military should still cause concerns about biosecurity risks.
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Notes
- 1.
For instance, Humanity+ (h+) as well as the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies (IEET) are counted among the most well-known transhumanist organizations. On the transhumanist movement, see Ranisch and Sorgner (2014, 12–13).
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Ranisch, R. (2021). When CRISPR Meets Fantasy: Transhumanism and the Military in the Age of Gene Editing. In: Hofkirchner, W., Kreowski, HJ. (eds) Transhumanism: The Proper Guide to a Posthuman Condition or a Dangerous Idea?. Cognitive Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56546-6_7
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