NA GRANICY CZŁOWIECZEŃSTWA. MICHAELA SANDELA KRYTYKA ETYKI UDOSKONALANIA
AT THE LIMITS OF HUMANITY. MICHAEL SANDEL'S CRITIQUE OF THE ETHICS OF PERFECTION

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the present article is to analyze Sandel's views on the bioethical challenges which may arise as a result of the biotechnological revolution and the advances in genetic engineering in the context of the so-called ethics of enhancement, and to attempt to answer the question of how bioethical concerns should be formulated in the face of the unrestricted genetic manipulations that are made possible by the biotechnological revolution. The paper characterizes Sandel's vision of the ethics of enhancement and outlines the resulting challenges to freedom, dignity, and humanity. Moreover, it indicates how Sandel describes the arguments in the contemporary bioethical debate by highlighting their inadequacy. Among the main challenges that may arise from the misuse of biotechnological discoveries are: the genetic designing of children, the enhancement of athletes, or the increase of social inequalities resulting from an individual's genetic status. The conclusions of the article point to the argument of the 'ethics of gratitude for life as a gift', which, according to Sandel, better expresses the bioethical concerns and protects values such as freedom, autonomy, and human dignity.

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