Should We All Become Cyborgs? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Should We All Become Cyborgs?

Will we use technology to go beyond our natural limits?

171
Should We All Become Cyborgs?
That's Really Possible

“Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above.”

―Rose Sayer, "The African Queen"

Humans have used technology to improve their capabilities since before the beginning of civilization. Our tools have come a long way from the simple clothes and spears used by hunter-gatherer societies. The computers, cars and cell phones that we take for granted today are beyond the wildest dreams of what our ancestors could have imagined. And the march of technological progress shows no signs of stopping. The science and technology news website Futurism can clearly attest to that, having reported on everything from ambulance drones to stickers that can wirelessly charge smartphones to a technology that can provide water during droughts.

Cutting-edge technologies can provide much-needed help to people with physical disabilities. Paralyzed patients are now able to control a robotic arm with their minds, stand up, walk, ride a bike and even play the guitar. Those who suffer from the horrifying condition known as "locked-in syndrome," which traps them in their body unable move or communicate, now have a way to communicate using a device that reads their brainwaves.

Integrating technology into the body has significantly improved the lives of these people. But why stop at patients with physical disabilities? Why not use integrated technology to improve the lives of whoever wants an improved life?

The belief that technology should be integrated into the body to give people capacities beyond the "natural limit" that they were born with is called "transhumanism." As an intellectual movement, it has started to gain serious attention in recent years, according to Google Ngrams (which tracks the frequency of words in books over time):

Adherents of transhumanism, such as the 2016 presidential candidate running on a transhumanist platform, believe that the human condition can be improved by the application of technology. For them, "it's only human nature" will no longer be an acceptable excuse since we will increasingly have the ability to fix the problems of human nature. As our biological components are replaced by technogical ones, some transhumanists have said that humans could eventually change so much that they could be described as "posthuman beings."

While transhumanism is gaining popularity, it has a long way to go before it gains the approval of the American public. About half of Americans thinks that human enhancement "crosses a line" by "meddling with nature." However, as I pointed out last week, "natural" does not mean "good" in any sense of the word. There may be valid objections to transhumanism, but "it ain't natural!" is not one of them.

Another proposed objection to transhumanism is that, under the current economic system, expensive technological enhancement could give the rich an unfair competitive advantage in the job market. Americans see this as an even bigger concern than "meddling with nature," since around 70 percent think that human enhancement technology will increase inequality. First of all, it has nearly always been true that expensive technology has given the rich a competitive advantage over the poor. But in order to sell expensive technology, the rich have footed the bill to make that technology cheaper through efficient mass-production:

"The fact that the rich are greedy can work in our favour. It will be like penicillin[:] in the beginning the rich wanted it so much [that] they footed [enormous] bills, [and] this helped it develop. Eventually it was cheap [enough] that it could save the lives of those who really need it. If we made sure these were cheap before they were available [then] it would cost us a fortune in tax[es]. Let the rich foot the bill[,] I say."

Second of all, inequality is not worse than equality by necessity. If there are two impoverished people and suddenly one of them strikes gold (literally or metaphorically), is the other one's life suddenly worse because the first one's improved? It is better to have one wealthy person and one impoverished person than two impoverished people.

Finally, the idea of transhumanism increasing inequality is valid if the current economic system, which provides money almost exclusively in exchange for labor, continues. Fortunately for us, it probably won't. The implementation of a basic income guarantee or a guaranteed minimum income would go a long way to alleviate existing wealth inequality, and could help to counteract any negative economic effects of transhumanism — especially if we reach a post-scarcity economy where money becomes unnecessary.

If the optimism of the transhumanists proves to be accurate, then we have a limitless future to look forward to as we transcend the boundaries of nature.

For more information on this subject, check out some of the following resources:

TV Tropes: "Transhuman"

SciShow: "Will You Be Iron Man?"

Reddit:/r/transhumanism

Futurism: "Here's What the Future of Human Modification Might Look Like"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15203
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6589
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4874
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4294
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments