Abstract

The Plasmids in BioShock are essentially enhancement technologies for “healthy” individuals. Although the sea slug in BioShock is a work of fiction, in the real world researchers are investigating species‐transcending gene technology. BioShock makes apparent the usefulness of biological enhancements, but also warns us about the potential dangers of playing with biology. Not everyone is in favor of human enhancement technologies. Their opponents fear that some procedures might change what it means to be human on a fundamental level. BioShock is a digital game, and the types of Plasmids you are given are adequate to the challenges you encounter. Perhaps enhancement technologies would actually lead to greater social justice and equality by benefiting those who aren't as genetically gifted as others. As things stand, we are subject to the genetic lottery, but enhancement technologies would shift our fate “from chance to choice” and level the playing field.