Miao HE, Libo XU

人之為人的追問與守望

Introduction

人之為人的追問與守望. 探討道德生物增強與神經本質主義的困境。徐向東教授超越傳統倫理批判，深入追問人工智能時代「人之為人」的根本意義。

Abstract

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in Chinese; abstract in English. In the article “Neuroessentialism and the Dilemma of Moral Bioenhancement”, Professor Xu Xiangdong transcends conventional ethical critiques centred on freedom, autonomy, and justice, as well as practical debates concerning technological risks and regulatory frameworks. Against the backdrop of the global human enhancement trend, he reframes the discourse on moral bioenhancement through a critique of neuro-essentialism. Rather than focusing solely on whether moral bioenhancement technology is feasible or desirable, Professor Xu elevates the discussion to a more fundamental philosophical inquiry: what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence.

Review

The evocative Chinese title, "人之為人的追問與守望" (The Questioning and Safeguarding of What it Means to Be Human), immediately signals the profound philosophical scope of Professor Xu Xiangdong's article, "Neuroessentialism and the Dilemma of Moral Bioenhancement." Rather than confining the discourse to conventional ethical frameworks centered on freedom, autonomy, and justice, or to pragmatic discussions of technological risks and regulatory mechanisms, Xu embarks on a distinctive intellectual journey. His approach critically reframes the contentious topic of moral bioenhancement through a rigorous critique of neuro-essentialism, thereby setting a fresh and much-needed agenda for this increasingly urgent global debate. This strategic pivot is arguably the article's most significant contribution. By meticulously dissecting neuro-essentialist tenets, Professor Xu effectively elevates the discussion from mere feasibility or desirability of moral bioenhancement technologies to a more foundational and existential plane. The core inquiry shifts to a transcendental question: what constitutes "being human" in an era profoundly shaped by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnological capabilities. This move not only challenges reductionist views of human nature but also forces readers to confront the ontological implications of augmenting or altering our fundamental moral capacities, thereby significantly enriching the philosophical depth of the bioethics discourse. In doing so, Professor Xu Xiangdong offers an exceptionally timely and insightful contribution that transcends disciplinary boundaries. His work provides a critical lens for scholars in philosophy, bioethics, AI ethics, and future studies to reconsider the very bedrock of human identity and agency amidst accelerating technological change. The article stands as a crucial intervention, urging a more profound and self-reflective inquiry into humanity's future direction, moving beyond superficial debates to engage with the enduring questions of what we are, and what we aspire to be, as sentient beings navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape. It is an indispensable read for anyone grappling with the ethical frontiers of human enhancement and artificial intelligence.

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