An article review session was held on March 14, 2018, at BRAC University Residential Campus. Ms. Tanjin Afrose, faculty member of Ethics and Culture, discussed the article titled "Normal Functioning and the Treatment/Enhancement Distinction: An Opportunity Based Assessment" by Jonathan Huggins & Mary Simmerling.
The article focuses on the normal-functioning model by Norman Daniels, which is an expansion of John Rawls’ theory of justice, and how it is criticized by "equal capability" egalitarians. One concern put forward by them that the authors discuss is that the normal-functioning model leaves intact baseline variability in talents and skills that will nonetheless provide some individuals with opportunities unavailable to others. The medical community is not obliged to provide all equal enhancements for all individuals, which is proposed by the egalitarians, because this will fail to recognize the mutually exclusive nature of talents and skills and the ways in which they can be selectively valued. Another concern the authors discuss is how normal-functioning model limits the commitment of the medical establishment by focusing on states that represents deviation from normal human function. In light of all the observations, expanding the role of the medical establishment in levelling opportunity in society makes little sense. Therefore, healthcare systems may start with the normal-functioning model to achieve their ultimate goal to establish social justice.
At the end of the session, faculty members of Ethics and Culture shared their thoughts and opinions on the article and the views put forward by the authors.