By Dr. Bharti Raizada
Have you ever paid attention to the fact that humans are slowly becoming machines? The number of mechanical and electrical devices, in the human body, are increasing at a fast pace. Even parents of a child need not be humans. They can be agencies, trust, bodies, department etc.
First of all. Lets us figure out, who is a human? Any idea? Think for a minute. What makes us human? Is it our genes, our thinking capabilities, our consciousness, spirituality, physical abilities, look, our erect posture, ability to walk on feet, or something else? As per Merriam Webster dictionary, a human is a bipedal primate mammal.
An extreme form of the transhuman is called posthuman. Wikimedia Commons
A transhuman is someone who is human, to begin with, but then with the help of technology enhances his capabilities, which are way more than a normal human. Means more intelligence, psychological capability, strength or physical stamina. There is either extension of life, improved quality of life or more capabilities or all of these. An extreme form of the transhuman is called posthuman. Posthuman is a being made up of artificial parts, with minimal or no human attributes remaining.
In stories or fiction, this type of human is called Cyborg or Bionic human or a genetically enhanced human.
Change from human to trans human can be achieved by various mechanical or electrical devices, Gene therapy, Artificial intelligence, Nanotechnology, Genetic engineering, Cloning etc. Are you aware that technology is being developed to upload the mind to a computer and print human organs?
Following are the examples of some artificial things which change humans to Transhumans:
Bionic eyes or visual prosthesis
Intraocular lenses/Contact lenses
Artificial voice box
Artificial limbs
Nails/pins in bones
Artificial knees/hips
Neurostimulators
Penile prosthesis
Artificial heart
Artificial heart valves
Pacemakers
Defibrillators
Ventricular assist devices
Transcranial direct current stimulation
Powered exoskeletons
Ear chips etc.
The difference between humans and technology is narrowing down. Wikimedia Commons
So, what are your thoughts? Is it good to become transhuman and extend life and capabilities beyond normal or it is something which will finally destroy us.
How arrogant will we be if we become eternal? Will there be a population explosion on planet earth? Will we still be eating food and reproducing? What about natural resources? Will there be a need to inhabit other planets? What will happen if we all are very high tech and have equal IQ? Who will rule us? How are we going to interact with each other? Will there still be feelings left? Will we still seek eternal happiness?
So, the basic question is what do you prefer? Stay as a human? Or become a transhuman or posthuman? Or something in the middle? And what is that middle? Where will you stop?
Do share your opinion!
Bharti Raizada, M.D. practices Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, USA.