The topic of the obsolescence of the human body and its implications for the question of whether the human mind can exist independently of the body. This has been a subject of philosophical, psychological, neurological, and spiritual discussion for centuries.
As we are living in a world of rapid technological advancement, the possibility of human minds existing independently of physical bodies is becoming more plausible. But this also raises new questions about human identity, consciousness, and self-awareness.
Think about it, in the past, the primary use of the human body was for survival and physical labour such as hunting and farming. However, with the advancement of technology, many of these tasks are now taken over by machines. As a result, the human body is now used less for physical labour and more for leisure and sedentary activities. It is possible that the use of the human body will become even less necessary in the future.
It is important to consider the concept of the obsolescence of the human body and its potential impact on our understanding of the relationship between the mind and body. As we continue to explore what is possible with technology, it is crucial to think about the implications of this transition for our identities as human beings.
Could the human body eventually become obsolete? What would be the impact on our understanding of human identity? These are the questions that we need to consider as we move forward.
Transhumanism
One concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the idea of transhumanism. Transhumanism is the belief that we can use technology to enhance our physical and cognitive abilities and overcome the limitations of our bodies. This includes the idea of replacing or augmenting our bodies with technological devices, such as prosthetics, exosuits, or even brain-computer interfaces.
Kurzweil,R. (2005) argues that this Singularity will be driven by the convergence of different technological fields, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology, and that it will have profound implications for our bodies and minds. He predicts that in the near future, humans will merge with machines to overcome the limitations of our bodies and achieve immortality.
While transhumanism is still in its early stages, it is an exciting field with the potential to greatly improve our quality of life and overcome the limitations of our bodies as our bodies are in obsolescence. Still, there are many ethical and practical considerations to take into account.
According to Bostrom. N, we have a moral obligation to pursue human enhancement technologies, provided that they do not pose significant risks to the well-being of individuals and society, because developing superintelligent AI is a crucial issue for the future of humanity.
If the concept of the human body becoming obsolete was to become a reality, it would likely have a significant impact on our understanding of human identity. Our physical form has long been seen as a defining aspect of who we are, and the loss of that physical form could lead to questions about what truly constitutes a person and their individual identity. In the book”The Ethics of Transhumanism”, Cooper,J (2006) argues that transhumanism poses significant ethical challenges, including questions about what it means to be human, the impact of human enhancement on inequality and social justice, and the role of personal responsibility in a world where technological advancements are rapidly changing what is possible.
What will be the future of humanity as we embrace the possibilities of transhumanism? With our physical and mental limitations rapidly fading, what challenges will we face as a species? Fukuyama argues that the rapid advancement of biotechnology poses significant risks to our political and social order, particularly in terms of exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining human dignity. He asserts that the pursuit of perfectibility and enhancement through technology could lead to a dehumanization of the human species and a reduction of human qualities such as empathy and moral responsibility.
References
Cooper, J. (2006). The Ethics of Transhumanism. Imprint Academic.
Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.
Fukuyama, F. (2002). Our posthuman future: Consequences of the biotechnology revolution. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
Roden, D. (2015). Posthuman Life: Philosophy at the Edge of the Human. Routledge.
Kurzweil, R. (2005). The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Penguin.
It’s a video clip from one of the BBC series. It will be helpful to understand one of transhumanism.
Transhumanism is a philosophical and cultural movement that views the human body as an outdated and limited tool that can and should be augmented and enhanced through technology. From this perspective, our bodies are seen as obsolete not just in terms of their physical limitations but also in their ability to interact with the world and process information. The use of technology to enhance our bodies and minds is seen as a way to not only overcome these limitations but also to create new possibilities for human development and evolution. For example, transhumanists envision a future in which people can extend their lifespans and eliminate diseases, connect their minds directly to computers and other digital devices, and create new forms of intelligence beyond human intelligence.
However, human enhancement through technology raises ethical questions about what it means to be human, the role of technology in society, and the consequences of such enhancements. Some argue that the pursuit of human enhancement will result in the division between those who access these technologies and those who do not, leading to further inequalities and other concerns regarding disembodiment.
The views of Christianity towards transhumanism
-as a threat to the idea that human beings are created in the image of God and that death is an inevitable part of the human experience.
-attempts to extend life or improve physical abilities beyond what is naturally possible could be seen as playing God and going against the divine plan.
-as an opportunity to use technology for the betterment of humanity and as a way to fulfill their calling to care for and improve the world.
-if used responsibly and ethically, the advancements in science and technology could help alleviate suffering and enhance human life in ways that are consistent with Christian values
It’s about an artificial womb.
https://youtu.be/O2RIvJ1U7RE The world’s first artificial womb facility, EctoLife.