- #1
Pergatory
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I'm curious as to everyone's opinion on bio-augmentation? This is a field that I've been strongly interested in ever since playing the game Deus Ex (and its equally-enlightening sequel). For those who have not played this game, but are interested in the idea of combining computers and humans into one entity, I highly recommend it. Yes, I know, it's just a game, but the plot is deeply thought-provoking and absolutely applicable to real-life.
Anyway, in the interest of not spoiling the game, I'll try to keep my references obfuscated. The basic idea is that genetics are flawed. Genetics are a system through which evolution is achieved through brute force. A mutation is created, and the mutation is propogated only if the mutant is able to propogate his genes. As a result, every being is born with differing potential, the classic problem of upper and lower class. As evolution continues, but natural selection does not (due to programs like Welfare, Medicare, Social Security), humans will slowly evolve away from what used to be considered "human." Some facets of society will degrade, via bad mutations that are not eliminated from the gene pool, and some will advance, via good mutations that lead to success and propogation of genes.
However, if we use technology to augment our biological beings, we can equal the playing field, so to speak. Anyone who can augment themselves can improve their ability to perform tasks, regardless of what genetics they were born with. Suddenly genetics is no longer an issue, and evolution is no longer a concern! The rich and poor may finally be considered equal in all senses and there will be no upper or lower class!
The question is: Is this right? It could be argued that our flaws are what makes us unique. If everyone has the same processing power available to their conscious mind, given adequate information, it's possible that every person will come to the same conclusion when faced with a particular decision. Therefore, everyone will for all intents and purposes be identical. The only thing differing between us would be our memories, and even that could be done away with (although I don't think people would want to).
Is society destined to become a race of people who think and act alike, making technological progress but not truly interacting in the sense that we interact today?
Anyway, in the interest of not spoiling the game, I'll try to keep my references obfuscated. The basic idea is that genetics are flawed. Genetics are a system through which evolution is achieved through brute force. A mutation is created, and the mutation is propogated only if the mutant is able to propogate his genes. As a result, every being is born with differing potential, the classic problem of upper and lower class. As evolution continues, but natural selection does not (due to programs like Welfare, Medicare, Social Security), humans will slowly evolve away from what used to be considered "human." Some facets of society will degrade, via bad mutations that are not eliminated from the gene pool, and some will advance, via good mutations that lead to success and propogation of genes.
However, if we use technology to augment our biological beings, we can equal the playing field, so to speak. Anyone who can augment themselves can improve their ability to perform tasks, regardless of what genetics they were born with. Suddenly genetics is no longer an issue, and evolution is no longer a concern! The rich and poor may finally be considered equal in all senses and there will be no upper or lower class!
The question is: Is this right? It could be argued that our flaws are what makes us unique. If everyone has the same processing power available to their conscious mind, given adequate information, it's possible that every person will come to the same conclusion when faced with a particular decision. Therefore, everyone will for all intents and purposes be identical. The only thing differing between us would be our memories, and even that could be done away with (although I don't think people would want to).
Is society destined to become a race of people who think and act alike, making technological progress but not truly interacting in the sense that we interact today?
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