Elective Amputation and Neuroprosthetic Limbs

This paper explores the impact that developments in the field of neuroprosthetics will have on the ethical viability of healthy limb amputation, specifically in cases of Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID). Developments in the field have meant that the prospect of such artificial components matching the utility of their biological counterparts is now a possibility. As such, arguments against the provision of therapeutic, healthy limb amputation which are grounded in the perceived resultant harm of disability need to be reconsidered. Drawing on philosophical insights, as well as the field of disability studies and BIID research, this paper argues that such neuroprosthetics presents a challenge for the fundamental dichotomy between the disabled and ‘abled’, including the latter’s perceived superiority. It goes on to suggest that healthy limb amputation, for those with BIID, should not be dismissed simply because of the distastefulness of the procedure, but rather be evaluated based upon its own merits.