True to the Autonomous Self

Abstract

The possibilities of enhancement technologies increase rapidly. However, some are met with ethical suspicion. An argument that is central in the debate between opponents- and proponents of enhancement technologies is the argument of authenticity. Opponents argue that certain technologies endanger authenticity, whereas proponents claim that enhancement technologies can help people become their authentic self. This thesis analyses how both sides of the debate utilize the concept to find out how useful a concept is that is used to defend polar opposite positions. Opponents of enhancement see life as a project, the meaning of which can only be determined by looking inward. The concept of authenticity they use can be called self-discovery; the authentic self is there to be discovered. Proponents of enhancement on the other hand argue that not self-discovery but self-creation is what true authenticity is. Engaging in projects of self-creation can help people to become who they want to be. The authentic self can thus be formed. Both sides defend a different position, but share a core understanding of authenticity, namely that it is a moral ideal, a view what a higher life should look like. If the debate would not focus only on the differences between the several theories, but rather on what they share, the debate could truly progress. Both sides of the debate are equipped to deal with certain hard cases better than their opponents. Recognizing the value of the opposing position is the first step in helping the debate forward. Applying the right theory to the right situation shows that all theories are valuable and the confusion concerning the concept of authenticity is unnecessary.