Mensch - Natur - Technik

The contributors to this volume explore the interrelations between processes of norm formation and conceptions of the conditio humana in the context of contemporary cultural and technological innovation. Rapid developments in technology and society frequently erode, in whole or in part, normative boundaries of socially evolved structures that are commonly taken for granted. Moral norms that, owing to the context of their emergence, stand in marked contrast to present-day reality of life thus come under increasing pressure to be "updated." Technologies such as artificial intelligence are transforming the scope of human agency. The contributors to this volume address the related ethical challenges, which include the imperative not to constrict this scope prematurely. The processes of norm formation thereby required are indeed subject to social and cultural change, yet they cannot abstract from an implicit conception of the human being. Across the range of perspectives outlined, the contributors bring to light the often concealed anthropological-normative implications and contribute to a pressing and complex contemporary debate. The volume originated from an international conference held at the Theologicum in Tübingen in July 2025 on the occasion of Elisabeth Gräb-Schmidt's retirement. Conceived as a "Festschrift" for her 70th birthday, it has been expanded to include contributions from colleagues and former doctoral students.