Springer The Ultimate Enhancement of Morality (SpringerBriefs in Ethics)

This book deals with good, evil, happiness and morally enhanced post-humans. It offers a succinct historical elaboration of philosophical stances towards morality and happiness, focusing on Kant's ideas in particular.  Human augmented ethical maturity in a futuristic version of Kant’s Ethical Commonwealth implies, among else, voluntary moral bio-enhancement (VMBE); consequently, more happiness – as morality and happiness are in a circularly supportive relationship; ultimate morality (UM). UM is in its own way a universal morality. In line with the contention that Kant’s vision of the (not immediate but more distant) future of humanity is one of a cosmopolitan moral order in which humans act virtuously in the broadest possible community, that is, humanity, it is justified to conclude that successful VMBE is conducive to Kant’s vision. In this context the book is of great interest to a broad audience, such as those interested in VMBE and novel conceptions of morality, and those with an interest in the historical development of morality and happiness, in philosophy (specifically, ethics) and in post-humanity.  Review “Vojin Rakić is a bioethicist who is always worth reading and continues to produce works on important topics. Here he writes about one of the most challenging issues of our times, namely the possibility of using science and technology to permanently change humanity itself. This change Vojin believes will take place at the level of morality. Vojin Rakić argues that the next major step in our evolution will be the development of a (new?) species he believes will be morally superior to existing humans. It will, Vojin argues, be guided by "Ultimate Morality", a concept that will continue to have certain foundations in traditional ethics.” (John Harris)  “Rakić’s book is jammed with refreshing and daring insights about human enhancement. Anyone who’s interested in philosophical debate about the future of humanity should read it.” (Nicholas Agar) From the Back Cover This book deals with good, evil, happiness and morally enhanced post-humans. It offers a succinct historical elaboration of philosophical stances towards morality and happiness, focusing on Kant's ideas in particular.   Human augmented ethical maturity in a futuristic version of Kant’s Ethical Commonwealth implies, among else, the following features: 1. Voluntary Moral Bio-Enhancement (VMBE); 2. Consequently, more happiness – as morality and happiness are in a circularly supportive relationship; 3. Ultimate Morality (UM). In feature 2, deontological practice would result in a utilitarian outcome. By fulfilling our moral duties based on UM, we would gradually create a world of post-humans who approach moral and thus felicific perfection.  UM is in its own way a universal morality. In line with the contention that Kant’s vision of the (not immediate but more distant) future of humanity is one of a cosmopolitan moral order in which humans act virtuously in the broadest possible community, that is, humanity, it is justified to conclude that successful VMBE is conducive to Kant’s vision. Therefore, this book is of great interest to a broad audience, such as those interested in VMBE and novel conceptions of morality, and those with an interest in the historical development of morality and happiness, in philosophy (specifically, ethics) and in post-humanity.  About the Author Vojin Rakić, Full Professor, is Director of the Center for the Study of Bioethics, Head of the European Division of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics (Haifa), and Director of the Center for Philosophy of the Institute for Social Sciences. Vojin Rakić, Full Professor, is Director of the Center for the Study of Bioethics, Head of the European Division of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics (Haifa), and Director of the Center for Philosophy of the Institute for Social Sciences. He is also Chair of the Cambridge Working Group for Bio