The Price of Perfection: Individualism and Society in the Era of Biomedical Enhancement

by Maxwell J. Mehlman

Few would question the necessity of artificial limbs for amputees. But what of surgery to lengthen the legs of children who are merely shorter than average? Hardly anyone would challenge the decision to prescribe Aricept to people with dementia. But is it acceptable to give the same medication to airline pilots seeking sharper mental focus on long-haul flights?

Humans have engaged in biological self-improvement since long before recorded...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801892635
• ISBN13: 9780801892639
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Maxwell Mehlman finds public officials unequipped to handle the ethical, scientific and public polic

The many ethical debates being raised by medical technology's opportunities and challenges are covered in THE PRICE OF PERFECTION: INDIVIDUALISM AND SOCIETY IN THE ERA OF BIOMEDICAL ENHANCEMENT. Humans have engaged in biological self-improvement since before recorded history but today have unprecedented opportunities to change at the most basic of levels. What does it mean to be human under such conditions? Maxwell Mehlman finds public officials unequipped to handle the ethical, scientific and public policy challenges of such enhancements. Policy issues and options are the focus in this important college-level survey.