We are usually inclined to consider well-functioning everyday-life concepts and interpretive patterns as timeless evidences, without questioning the origins of these concepts and patterns, or the particular historical and cultural conditions of their appearance and unproblematic functioning. Phenomenological sociology has taught us that the prescriptive forms of knowledge always become interesting and exciting when there is some kind of “disorder in the mechanism”, when the previously functioning reflexes seem to be questioned and become confused.
Accordingly, the first and also most important question is as follows: is there an eternally valid human nature, or do we only wish to believe in the existence of such a nature, prevailing over history? The answer is structured in the paper in two parts, discussing the postulates of post-human anthropology, and the ethical dilemmas raised in connection with the issues debated. Following the analysis, the paper concludes that as long as the discussions of moral philosophy fail to offer some generally acceptable solution, one must accept the regulating power of national and international law.
