Liberal Eugenics: In Defence of Human Enhancement

by Nicholas Agar

In this provocative book, philosopher Nicholas Agar defends the idea that parents should be allowed to enhance their children’s characteristics.

Genres: Philosophy, Eugenics, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Dan Zarfati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is still affected by some PC assumptions, and thanks G-d this trend is ending, the book brings some interesting points in the enhancement discussions, you are likely to have thought about most of them, but here they are asserted in the proper ethical philosophical language with rigor. It is a bit of a heavy read, it is a bit boring sometimes, I am sure there are better books on this discussion but still it seems to be worthwhile to read this one.

[Managing my virtual footprint · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second time around. With a much better knowledge of the literature and a better note-taking system, it was like a completely different book.

Agar's analysis is simply not as good as the one by Buchanan et al. His conception of liberal eugenics, while reasonable and well-though out, is not as rich and nuanced as other accounts. It is a great defense of procreative liberty and one that is robust enough to stand bioconservative attacks, but it lacks the level of detail needed to judge hard cases.

I would still recommend it, but if you are going to go through an academic book on the subject, just go for "from chance to choice" by Buchanan et al. (honestly, I think even Agar would agree with this recommendation, not that his contribution is not interesting or important).