The Future of Human Nature: Commentary Notes on Avatamsaka Sutra

By Jürgen Habermas

Book Overview

Recent developments in biotechnology and genetic research are raising complex ethical questions concerning the legitimate scope and limits of genetic intervention. As we begin to contemplate the possibility of intervening in the human genome to prevent diseases, we cannot help but feel that the human species might soon be able to take its biological evolution in its own hands. Playing God is the metaphor commonly used for this self-transformation of the species which, it seems, might soon be within our grasp.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0745629865
• ISBN13: 9780745629865
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Polity Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Not overly complex

Previous reviewers have complained that Habermas presents his ideas in a more complex way than necessary. I submit that those reviewers are correct that his ideas, as _they_ understand them, could have been presented more simply. Habermas is writing to academics. Yes, you need to have some background knowledge to access his thought. If you think that he is being more complicated than necessary, you almost certainly just don't get it.

An excellent introduction

This is one of Habermas' simpler books. It marks a major turn in his thought, however. He no longer wishes to exclude questions of the "good life" (teleology) from judgements of justice (deontology). He sees that morality must be grounded in a "species ethic" (ie: a naturalist, religious or metaphysical anthropology). This is significant as his previous work betrayed the sceptical approach to modern liberalism maintained by his predecessors in the Frankfurt School (esp. Adorno & Horkheimer). He know longer holds fast to Dworkin-esque neutrality. Nonetheless he still places the priority on deontology, a fact that makes his claims more tangible than, say, Charles Taylor's. An insightful, well presented and simple read.