With the emergence of technologies such as gene therapy, neural implants and brain-computer interfaces; one can only imagine, how far can we push the human body?
DNA. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
According to a report done by The National Intelligence Council, exoskeletons offer improved functionality over human limbs; allowing workers to carry increased loads without physical burden. Future neural implants could possibly link human brains to computers leading to enhanced “superhuman” abilities (think permanent photographic memory!)
However, not everyone believes in augmentation…
A movement called Bioconservatism challenges the idea of radical technological advancement in the basis that it destroys human dignity. According to them, should these augmentations come to fruition, they bring a problem that could change human society forever. This quote shows a Bioconservative sharing his testimony:
“It undermines our self – conception as free, thoughtful, responsible beings, worthy of respect because we alone among the animals have minds and hearts that aim far higher than the mere perpetuation of our genes.” – Leon Kass
Anti-Transhumanism. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The National Intelligence Council predicts that only the rich could purchase these augmentations due to their enormous costs. Which may create a divide between enhanced and non-enhanced individuals leading to a two-tiered society.
In fact, our daily lives would definitely change! Individuals with hearing or sight augmentations could invade our privacy and use our information for their own benefit. I guess annoying phone calls from telemarketers would stop (that’s great!), but instead they could just access your mind! (not so great!)
Our current technology prevents us from venturing further into human augmentation, as it cannot support these futuristic designs. For example, the battery life in exoskeletons doesn’t last long enough for practical use in work settings. Not to mention, malicious individuals could easily hack augmentations as this technology still remains in its infancy stage.
US Army Exoskeleton Prototype. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
While Bioconservatives disapprove of human augmentation, another movement called Transhumanism supports the change and believes that humans can evolve beyond our current physical and scientific limitations. A quote from a famous body artist states his opinion:
“The question is not whether a society will allow freedom to express yourself, but whether the human species will allow you to break the bonds of your genetic parameters” – Stelarc
Beyond philosophical ideas, the military sees human augmentation as the future of warfare. Researchers seek to develop retinal implants that offer night vision, neural implants that give improved cognitive ability (such as increased concentration) and augmented reality devices that enhance situational awareness of soldiers in battle.
In the future, we might see a real life Captain America or even an actual Terminator! (Excited?… maybe not)
Menacing looking shoot of a T-800 endoskeleton prop. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
In this day and age, if someone wants to change their physical appearance, services such as plastic surgery already exist. In my opinion, the individual should have the choice if they want to augment themselves.
I wouldn’t mind getting a bionic arm actually…
