This is chilling. I take it that transhumanism is one of the major goals of the genome project. I particularly shuddered at the authors’ words: The pursuit of transhumanist ideals will very likely lead to a large disparity in the types and extents of biotechnological modifications between individuals and entire communities. Of course, as is pointed out here, humans have always overcome handicaps and limitations by instrumentality: canes and contact lenses, for example. But the crucial difference here is that in this brave new world project it is human beings themselves who are becoming the instrument, and the aim is not a fulfilled human life but one which knows no limits. Apart from being an illusion, such hubris points towards a terrifying vision of power used for self and self alone. Moreover, in such a brave new world would the handicapped be tolerated? Would they be regarded as having anything to teach us? Social commentators have, by the way, noticed that eugenics is making a come-back, after decades in the wilderness as a result of its use by the Nazis.
There is a science-fiction site, [url=http://www.orionsarm.com/xcms.php?r=oa-page&page_id=296]Orion’s Arm[/url]* that is some years old now, that discusses these things. It’s just science fiction, of course, but it may be suggestive of what’s some are thinking. There are, of course, any number of more “traditional” science fiction treatments of the subject (the movie “Blade Runner” for example). All speculation, but that’s all the referenced article is.
As to “Faustian bargain with technology” … I think that train has left the station. The only question remaining is how far down the line we want to go. The difference between what’s being discussed in the referenced article and things like artificial hearts, etc., is only a matter of degree — though admittedly, so far what technology we have is mostly concerned with restoring “normal” human function, not changing the definition of what “normal” function may be.
If there were some sort of gene-splice technology (not zero-sum with another life, no embryonic stem cells or the like) that made one immune to cancer [i]and[/i] raised IQ by 20-30 points on average, who’s going to say “No” to that? [b][/b]What would [i]you[/i] give to get that for your children?[b][/b] If you wouldn’t, imagine how many would. Repercussions, if any, would come later. Or, how about immunity from [i]all[/i] diseases, but a lifespan of, say, 40 years maximum?
But these are choices/dilemmas that might present to anyone. Is there a specifically Christian approach to this kind of technology (as above, assume that it is not zero-sum with another life)? Honest question.
regards,
JPB
*I’ve linked to a generally explanatory page rather than the main intro page; the site has been around for nearly 10 years that I know of, but transhumanism has been an element of it the entire time.
[blockquote]In the United States, the freedom to pursue enhancement technologies is effectively guaranteed under the Constitution (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.)[/blockquote]
Hopefully there will be a techno-enhancement that will improve cultural and political literacy. /sarc
My fifteen year old daughter tells me from time to time she’s going to have a ‘designer baby’. I tell her she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. However, I’m afraid she does.
(In the United States, the freedom to pursue enhancement technologies is effectively guaranteed under the Constitution (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.) Not to quibble, but the pursuit of happiness is not guaranteed in the Constiution. The phrase is contained in the Declaration of Independence.
This is chilling. I take it that transhumanism is one of the major goals of the genome project. I particularly shuddered at the authors’ words: The pursuit of transhumanist ideals will very likely lead to a large disparity in the types and extents of biotechnological modifications between individuals and entire communities. Of course, as is pointed out here, humans have always overcome handicaps and limitations by instrumentality: canes and contact lenses, for example. But the crucial difference here is that in this brave new world project it is human beings themselves who are becoming the instrument, and the aim is not a fulfilled human life but one which knows no limits. Apart from being an illusion, such hubris points towards a terrifying vision of power used for self and self alone. Moreover, in such a brave new world would the handicapped be tolerated? Would they be regarded as having anything to teach us? Social commentators have, by the way, noticed that eugenics is making a come-back, after decades in the wilderness as a result of its use by the Nazis.
Gnosticism. Again. (And again and again.) What a resilient weed.
Greetings.
There is a science-fiction site, [url=http://www.orionsarm.com/xcms.php?r=oa-page&page_id=296]Orion’s Arm[/url]* that is some years old now, that discusses these things. It’s just science fiction, of course, but it may be suggestive of what’s some are thinking. There are, of course, any number of more “traditional” science fiction treatments of the subject (the movie “Blade Runner” for example). All speculation, but that’s all the referenced article is.
As to “Faustian bargain with technology” … I think that train has left the station. The only question remaining is how far down the line we want to go. The difference between what’s being discussed in the referenced article and things like artificial hearts, etc., is only a matter of degree — though admittedly, so far what technology we have is mostly concerned with restoring “normal” human function, not changing the definition of what “normal” function may be.
If there were some sort of gene-splice technology (not zero-sum with another life, no embryonic stem cells or the like) that made one immune to cancer [i]and[/i] raised IQ by 20-30 points on average, who’s going to say “No” to that? [b][/b]What would [i]you[/i] give to get that for your children?[b] [/b] If you wouldn’t, imagine how many would. Repercussions, if any, would come later. Or, how about immunity from [i]all[/i] diseases, but a lifespan of, say, 40 years maximum?
But these are choices/dilemmas that might present to anyone. Is there a specifically Christian approach to this kind of technology (as above, assume that it is not zero-sum with another life)? Honest question.
regards,
JPB
*I’ve linked to a generally explanatory page rather than the main intro page; the site has been around for nearly 10 years that I know of, but transhumanism has been an element of it the entire time.
From the article:
[blockquote]In the United States, the freedom to pursue enhancement technologies is effectively guaranteed under the Constitution (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.)[/blockquote]
Hopefully there will be a techno-enhancement that will improve cultural and political literacy. /sarc
My fifteen year old daughter tells me from time to time she’s going to have a ‘designer baby’. I tell her she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. However, I’m afraid she does.
We are the Borg. Resistance is Futile.
Cover your ears for the howling and fury when it becomes possible to vaccinate in utero against homosexuality and lesbianism.
Failing to grasp the meaning of ‘Humanity’, humans are lowering the bar…
(In the United States, the freedom to pursue enhancement technologies is effectively guaranteed under the Constitution (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.) Not to quibble, but the pursuit of happiness is not guaranteed in the Constiution. The phrase is contained in the Declaration of Independence.