Human voyage to posthuman: ‘end’/end of the humans?
-Saji Mathew Kanayankal
The emergence of new techno-sciences, especially the advent of bio-nanotechnology, Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) launch the era of a techno-culture, in which machines and artefacts take a major function in the life/existence of humanity. As an emerging expertise, nanotechnology is still on the process of development and it is changing. We observe a lot of ideas, imaginations, fictions; yet some realistic movements as a part of its development. In fact, most of our knowledge about it is speculative, but there are a few latest new ‘realistic’ achievements. With the groundbreaking experiments of Prof. Kevin Warwick, who infringed the barrier between human and machine, the discussions on the application of nanotechnology for human enhancement have entered into a new phase.
Apart from its use in purely technological level, nanotechnologies application in therapy, human enhancement and alteration, promises as well as challenges the humanity. Nanotechnology, which promises but endangers the entire human community, is seen as revolution as well as a danger. On the one hand, it opens enormous benefits to humanity with an increased productivity and creativity, openings and longevity, stronger bodies and minds, and a happier, better and ‘enhanced’ life. However, on the other hand, it challenges with risks, even with the possibilities of deteriorating and degenerating human ingenuity. The emergence of new life forms will not be mere nightmare or fiction. At least a few awaits the arrival of the ‘posthumans’ who will broaden the line of immortality. So to compact and integrate the Christian anthropology with the change and technological advancement is a real challenge today. Thus, we pose certain ethical questions:
1. Who is a human being? Shall we stick on to the age old concepts or should we opt for the new advancements? Homo sapiens/Techno sapiens? What would be the moral status of such a ‘technologically advanced device’?
2. Is it ethically permissible to change the fundamental human nature? If it is for the welfare and benefit of one, why don’t we do it? What is fundamental human nature?
3 The question on human autonomy. (Humans should overcome their own limitations with their intellect, reason and skill. They have to overcome their own evolutionary fates by themselves). The questions: Should humans use their technology to become something other than human? What should be the hermeneutical key to measure the human enhancement?
Clarification of Some Terminologies:
(i) Nanotechnology: “the principle of atom manipulation atom by atom, through control of the structure of matter at molecular level. It entails the ability to build molecular systems with atom–by–atom precision, yielding a variety of nanomachines” (Drexler, The Engines of Creation: The Coming of Nanotechnology). This term can be applied to any technique that works and can be understood in a nanometer level (109 metres). According to the strategy, the effectively human-built nanomachine will be no bigger than a bacterium and probably as small as a virus. It could even be virus. The most important offshoot of nanotechnology is its possibility to manufacture things at a low cost and with no pollution.
(ii) Difference between Therapy/Nano-treatment, Enhancement and Alteration.
(a) Therapy: the prevention or cure of disease, or as the restoration or approximation of return to normal physiological function.
(b) Enhancement: the alteration of individual (or group) characteristics, traits, and abilities (both health- and non-health-related) beyond a measurable baseline of normal function.
(c) Alteration: Altering neurobiological functions. This level is the most controversial since the goal is to transcend biological boundaries through technological means to alter human capacities.
Some Important Notes:
1. The First Transhumanist Declaration: (1999) “Humanity will be radically changed by technology in the future. We foresee the feasibility of redesigning the human condition, including such parameters as the inevitability of aging, limitations on human and artificial intellects, unchosen psychology, suffering, and our confinement to the planet earth.” Available at http://www.transhumanism.org/index.php/WTA/declaration/
2. Experience of the First Cyborg:
Kevin Warwick has taken the first steps on this path, using himself as a guinea pig test subject receiving, by surgical operation, technological implants connected to his central nervous system. “In the years ahead we will witness machines with an intelligence more powerful than that of humans. This will mean that robots, not humans, make all the important decisions. It will be a robot dominated world with dire consequences for humankind.” From http://www.kevinwarwick.com/ICyborg.htm
Suggestive Readings:
Jotterand, Fabrice. “Beyond Therapy and Enhancement: The Alteration of Human Nature.” NanoEthics 2 (2008):15–23.
Lustig, Andre. “Enhancement Technologies and the Person: Christian Perspectives.” Religions and Cultures of East and West: Perspectives on Bioethics, Spring (2008): 41-50.
Lin, Patrick and Fritz Allhoff. “Untangling the Debate: The Ethics of Human Enhancement.”
Nanoethics no 2 (2008) 251–264.
Warwick, Kevin. “The Promise and Threat of Modern Cybernetics,” Southern Medical Journal 100, no 1 (2007): 112-115.
Keenan, James F. “Perfecting Ourselves: On Christian Tradition and Enhancement.” Southern Medical Journal 100, no 1 (2007): 96 -97.
