Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2026

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Source Publication

Journal of Medicine and Philosophy

Source ISSN

0360-5310

Abstract

Proponents of transhumanism argue for the use of medical technologies to transform human nature into something better. Those who are opposed to taking steps in the direction of transhumanism sometimes do so on the basis of an obligation to preserve human nature. But how exactly are we to know what constitutes the human essence that demands protection? Kass’s appeal to “the wisdom of repugnance” too easily lends itself to the defense of irrational bias. Although Nussbaum is strongly opposed to Kass’s appeal to emotions as a source of reliable ethical intuitions, her capabilities approach to justice provides the foundation for an ethical appeal to a notion of human essence that allows one to avoid mere bias and can be employed to determine limits to the transformation of humanity.

Comments

Accepted version. The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, Vol. 51, No. 2 (2026): 158-166. DOI. © 2026 Oxford University Press. Used with permission.

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