Bayertz, Human Nature: How Normative Might It Be?, Abstract

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Kurt Bayertz

Human Nature: How Normative Might It Be?

Abstract

We wonder about the "moral status" of humans. New technologies are altering our very physical constitution. Some argue that we must ascribe an inherent value to human nature in order to halt this "disturbing development." Bayertz first will briefly describe this situation. Then he will show why it is difficult to define human nature. He follows with the difficulties in defining human nature's normative status. On account of these considerations, he concludes we cannot precisely define human nature. This warrants a weak normativity, at best.

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Bayertz, Kurt. "Human Nature: How Normative Might It Be?" Journal of Medicine and Philosophy 2003 28(2):131-150.

Available online at:

http://jmp.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/28/2/131