Abstract

This review analyzes human enhancement, defined as the application of genetic, biomedical and pharmacological knowledge in order to improve human characteristics (Bood, 2003). Throughout history, human beings have always attempted to improve their performances and characteristics. The scientific and technological development provide us new enhancing technologies to reach this objective. Through an analysis of the literature, we present the technologies developed to enhance human body and mind and we evaluate the application of enhancement technologies in military and civilian environments. We conclude with the ongoing debate about the ethical aspects involved in the use of new technologies for enhancement purposes.