Kass, “Ageless Bodies, Happy Souls”

Kass calls into question the distinction between therapy and enhancement by arguing that the pursuit of enhancement often blurs the line between treating a medical condition and seeking to improve one's natural abilities. He argues that the desire to enhance oneself beyond normal human capacities can lead to a rejection of the limitations intrinsic to human nature. Kass suggests that while therapy aims to restore normal functioning or alleviate suffering, enhancement seeks to push beyond normal limits, resulting in a potential loss of appreciation for the natural order of life. In Kass' account, things that stimulate "repugnance" include actions that defy the natural order, such as cloning or genetic manipulation. Kass argues that repugnance serves as an intuitive response that warns us against violating fundamental moral boundaries. He claims that this repugnance is rooted in a type of wisdom, as it draws on our inherent understanding of what is right and wrong. While some may argue that repugnance is subjective and can impede scientific progress, Kass maintains that it plays a vital role in preserving human dignity and honoring the natural order. Kass celebrates humility and modesty in the face of the "givenness" of life and acceptance of our aging bodies because he sees these attitudes as a recognition of our inherent limitations and a respect for the natural course of life. By embracing humility, individuals acknowledge that there are aspects of life beyond their control and that striving for eternal youth or defying the aging process may lead to negative consequences. Kass argues that accepting the aging process allows individuals to find meaning and fulfillment in each stage of life, fostering a greater sense of contentment and wisdom. The persuasiveness of the contentions made by deep ecologists regarding our environmental problems varies. While it is true that individualism can lead to a lack of collective responsibility and neglect for environmental concerns, reductionism can oversimplify complex ecological systems, and consumerism can drive overconsumption and resource depletion, it is important to consider a range of factors contributing to environmental issues. While these contentions provide valuable insights into certain aspects of our environmental problems, it is essential to approach them critically and consider other contributing factors as well. The moral permissibility of using animals in experiments is a complex and controversial issue. While some argue that it is necessary for scientific and medical advancements, others believe that it involves unnecessary harm to sentient beings. If one believes that using animals in experiments can be morally justified, setting conditions becomes crucial. These conditions may include ensuring that the experiments only involve non-human animals when no viable alternative exists, minimizing harm and suffering through appropriate anesthesia and pain management, conducting rigorous ethical review processes, and promoting transparency and accountability in research practices. Additionally, efforts should be made to promote the development and use of alternative methods that reduce or eliminate the need for animal testing whenever possible.

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