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The Incoherence of Moral Bioenhancement

Terri Murray responds to an article in Issue 91 that argued that our moral dispositions should be improved by the use of drugs.

“Each is the proper guardian of his own health, whether bodily, or mental or spiritual. Mankind are greater gainers by suffering each other to live as seems good to themselves, than by compelling each to live as seems good to the rest.”
John Stuart Mill, On Liberty

In July and August we watched in awe as Olympians from around the world exhibited extraordinary athleticism, the outcome of years of training, persistent mental and physical discipline, and sheer will power. We marvel at these individuals precisely because their outstanding physical and mental prowess is a personal achievement. When we learn that an athlete used drugs or other artificial shortcuts to excel beyond those who competed without these external aids, we feel that somehow they have tainted the very meaning of the Olympics.

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