Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4893

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Caplan A, Elliott C.
Is it ethical to use enhancement technologies to make us better than well?
PLoS Med 2004 Dec; 1:(3):e52
http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=15630464

Abstract:

BACKGROUND TO THE DEBATE: A variety of biomedical technologies are being developed that can be used for purposes other than treating disease. Such “enhancement technologies” can be used to improve our appearance and regulate our emotions, with the goal of feeling “better than well.” While these technologies can help people adapt to their rapidly changing lifestyles, their use raises important ethical issues.

Keywords:
Biomedical Technology/ethics* Biomedical Technology/trends* Drug Industry* Emotions Esthetics Ethics, Medical Humans Life Style* Marketing of Health Services Social Conditions