Understanding Epigenetic Proaction

A Reply to Stephan Schleim

Author

Kathinka Evers

kathinka.evers @ crb.uu.se

Uppsala Universitet

Uppsala, Sweden

Commentator

Stephan Schleim

s.schleim @ rug.nl

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen

Groningen, Netherlands

Editors

Thomas Metzinger

metzinger @ uni-mainz.de

Johannes Gutenberg-Universität

Mainz, Germany

Jennifer M. Windt

jennifer.windt @ monash.edu

Monash University

Melbourne, Australia

Epigenetic proaction can be described as a way of steering evolution by influencing the cultural imprints stored in our brains. It is not to be confused with "human enhancement". It is a process on the societal level that need not conflict with the notion of autonomy, nor suggest any "superhuman" ideal. Risks of misuse justify precaution, not abandonment of constructive scientific pursuits. Scientific knowledge can help us improve our life conditions in the long-term. A naturalistic responsibility is born out of science's strong social relevance.

Keywords

Autonomy | Enhancement | Epigenetic proaction | Precaution | Responsibility​