The Ethical Analysis of Moral Bioenhancement

Karolina’s dissertation examines how we can make progress in the (bio)ethical debate on new and emerging technologies aimed at improving human morality – the so-called moral bioenhancement (MBE). It raises some pertinent questions about the debate’s blind spots, MBE’s conceptual and theoretical sensibility and coherence, as well as its normative value. The analyses conducted in this thesis show that many concerns could be mitigated, misconceptions clarified, and popular claims challenged through a systematic application of ethical theories. On the whole, the thesis is a proof of concept that the theoretical and normative analyses are indispensable tools for developing the MBE debate further and helping us understand what is and is not morally permissible.

Karolina Kudlek’s defense ceremony will take place in Prof.dr. G. Berkhoff-zaal of the Waaier building, University of Twente.