The Pros And Cons Of Bostrom And Miah

Bostrom and Miah both agree that human enhancement is defined as an attempt to modify, either permanently or temporarily, the limitations of the human body. There have been advances in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, cognitive science and plastic surgery (particularly with cosmetics). Cosmetic enhancement is the use of surgical and medical techniques focused on improving one’s appearance. Many ethical issues have surfaced with respect to this, such as, the border between reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery, the psychological effects of cosmetic surgery and media-induced social pressures.
First is the issue of how far plastic surgery can be considered reconstructive until it becomes
cosmetic. Reconstructive surgery may lead to cosmetic surgery if something goes wrong or the person is unhappy with the results. Cons include the dangerous aspect of having surgery, which may result in the loss of limbs or even life. These surgeries can also leave one scarred and disfigured causing one to continue trying to “fix” themselves. On the other hand, one can feel more self-confident with one’s appearance and thereby have a better life. Dittman states that many patients of reconstructive surgery are often left discontented. Some are so displeased that they are subject to depression and adjustment problems, anger issues towards the surgeons, self-esteem issues and family complications. Hence, these consequences push them to continue doing cosmetic surgery for the purpose of enhancing themselves.
The second emerging issue is the effects of cosmetic surgery.
According to Scott, the friends and family of those who undergo cosmetic surgery are affected. The pros include an increase in self-esteem and confidence, which impact positively on other aspects of their life. Another pro can be the reduction of social discomfort, which may have prevented them from living their life comfortably. The cons of the situation, include disappointment with the situation post-surgery. Meaning that the patient may have high expectations for their life changing after the surgery, but are disappointed when it was over. It may also lead to gossip among their peers resulting in lingering feelings of inadequacy. The effects of this cosmetic surgery for some people will generally have a psychological effect whether it be good or bad, as can be noted by the pros and cons mentioned previously. Scott gives the example of an African-American who underwent plastic surgery and regretted the decision afterwards. The man was sure that he had ruined his sense of identity and betrayed his people which left him remorseful over the situation and his choice. This demonstrates the effects of cosmetic surgery on those who do
it.
The final emerging issue is the one of media-induced social pressures. Van McCrary stated that there is the issue of parents being influential to cosmetic surgery for minors. The cons of such a situation involves the child being treated as an object by their parents, instead of as a person. This can lead to the individual needing counseling to deal with their insecurities, which will inevitably be raised from their parents’ treatment. They may also have misleading ideas of what an ideal body image would be. There are not any pros to this particular issue as it is so unethical for parents to instill such superficial values in their children. This issue will affect children from a young age, giving them lifelong insecurities. A related note on this can be seen in Winkler and Cole’s book, where it is stated that tensions in society between self-regard and selfishness and between the human need for love and approval should be reviewed.
Scott, Dittman and Van McCrary agree that there is a notable psychological effect on patients after they go through plastic surgery, such as depression. They also agree that there will be residual insecurities even after the surgery is done. Both Dittman and Scott agree that patients may be disappointed with their surgeries.
There are ethical concerns in plastic surgery, including the bridge between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, the effects of the cosmetic surgery and the media-induced social pressures, which all have pros and cons. The pros include the improvement of self-image, while the cons involve the dangers of plastic surgery and psychological after-effect of altering the body to conform to society.

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References:
Bostrom, Nick and Rebecca Roache.
2008. “Ethical Issues in Human Enhancement.” In New Waves in Applied Ethics, edited by Jesper Ryberg, Thomas Peterson and Clark Wolf. 120-152. Pelgrave Macmillan.

Dittman, Melissa. 2005. “Plastic Surgery: Beauty or Beast?” Monitor on Psychology 36(8): 30. Accessed March 8, 2014.

Miah, Andy (PhD). 2011. “Ethical Issues Raised by Human Enhancement.” In Values and Ethics for the 21st Century, edited by Gonzalez, F., 199-231. Spain: BBVA.

Scott, Kristi. 2009. “Cheating Darwin: The Genetic and Ethical Implications of Vanity and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.” Journal of Evolution and Technology 20(2): 1-8. Accessed March 8th, 2014. http://jetpress.org/v20/scott.pdf

Van McCrary, S. 1998. Ethical Issues Regarding Cosmetic Surgery for Minors. Accessed March 8th 2014. http://www.law.uh.edu/healthlaw/perspectives/Bioethics/981230Cosmetic.htm

Winkler, Mary G. and Letha B. Cole. 1994. The Good Body: Asceticism in Contemporary Culture. Yale University
Press.