Thou shalt care for the vulnerable image of man!

In this article, I endeavour to present the philosophical reasons for Hans Jonas’dislike of certain tendencies of biotechnological development aiming at ameliorating the human being. According to Jonas, there are sound reasons why human beings should avoid playing God and refrain from using science and technology to ‘recreate’ their own being. Rather than simply discussing the issue from either a consequentialist or a deontological point of view, Jonas opts for a more resourceful and imaginative way to prevent the human being’s reification or deterioration, by focusing simultaneously on the human being’s vulnerability and higher potential.