This normative perspective mandates epistemic flexibility by both religious and secular citizens who ought to willfully engage in complimentary learning processes in order to transcend the inherent limitations of both non-reflexive religious beliefs and narrow secularist worldviews. I examine the validity of such religious arguments in debates on stem cell research and science policy more broadly through a critical analysis of Jurgen Habermas’s theory of the post-secular society, particularly the claim that the clash between science and religion in contemporary liberal democracies could be offset by adopting a new concept of ethical citizenship. This paper compares and contrasts conflicting religious perspectives on the moral status of the human embryos and their use in stem cell research derived from major monotheistic religions such as Catholicism, Judaism and Islam. Rather than remaining stuck in a simplistic "for or against" dilemma, we may recognize that there are many different sorts of possible modifications and consider which ones should be encouraged, which should be discouraged, and what other social policies may be required to ensure a fair and open future. The second part looks at human germ-line genetic engineering from a transhumanist perspective and argues that it helps us to formulate an ethically responsible stance that addresses concerns about inequalities and commodification of human life. The first part of this essay examines the axiological foundations of transhumanist ethics.
Transhumanism is emerging as the most promising alternative to conservative ethical systems that see human nature as something that cannot or should not be changed, an attitude increasingly in tension with technological possibilities and people's legitimate desire to benefit from them. Only recently, however, have we begun to understand the technological prerequisites for enhancing human nature and to think systematically think about the risks and opportunities. Our human quest to improve ourselves has a long history the origins of transhumanism can be traced to renaissance humanism and back to antiquity. Transhumanism is a grassroots movement that advocates the voluntary use of technology to enhance human capacities and extend our health-span.
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