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Words are powerful - Thoughts
shape - Ideas have consequences
Jennifer Lahl
The Center for Bioethics and Culture
Posted September 13, 2004
The Human Future
Huge possibilities before us
Movies like Bicentennial Man, AI, Simone and most recently, I Robot have gripped
the public's imagination. But just how much of what is depicted in these films
is Hollywood sensationalism? Will robots soon live amongst us, doing our household
chores and being welcomed members of our families? Are humachines, the blending
of humans and machines, just around the corner? Is a virtual world with virtual
people just over the horizon? And what does it mean for humanity if we pursue
the integration of technology into our very nature?
Advances in technologies like artificial intelligence, that allows us to make
super smart machines, cybernetics, that allows us to integrate computer technologies
into our bodies and nanotechnology that allows us to make things really small
and manipulate change at the molecular level, bring great promise to the treatment
of sick and disabled people. For example, people with spinal cord injuries
may be able to walk again with robotic artificial limbs. Blind people, through
these advanced technologies, may be given their sight back. But what if that
same sighted eye, used to treat blindness could be programmed to store all
of the answers to your upcoming SATS? Will hard work and personal achievement
be replaced by hard drives and smart chips?
Technology cuts both ways. It can be used for both good and for harm. The lines
between being human and being machines are quickly being blurred by these advancing
technologies. How do we decide what, if any, are the appropriate limits of
enhancing human beings?
There are many techno enthusiasts who argue for no limitations on our ability
to enhance the human race as far as technology allows. In fact, some would
suggest that to not augment humans would be negligent. Others say we are going
too far, too fast and there is no turning back once we go down this road and
to proceed we do so at the risk of our own peril. These new questions are being
raised now. They have a profound effect on what it means to be human as we
integrate technology within our very nature.
Because of the huge possibilities before us and the possibility of irreversible
harm, the CBC is hosting its second round of conversations in the next great
debate on the future of the human race. The Face of the Future: Techno sapiens
Phase II will be held in Washington DC on October 28th and 29th. In true CBC
style, we have brought together all of the voices for this second round of
conversations, begun last year in California. Leading advocates and critics
will join us. We are pleased to announce a sampling of the confirmed speakers:
Through this conference we hope to not only raise the questions and highlight areas of disagreement but to more importantly help provide a way forward. Is there middle or perhaps common ground? Is there a point where we can agree and begin from there to lay down policy recommendations, help to shape future laws and educate the public? We hope that you will join us for this most interesting conference. The future of the human race is at stake.
© Jennifer Lahl 2004 Reprinted with Permission
Jennifer Lahl R.N., B.S.N., M.A. is Founder of the Center for Bioethics and Culture and Executive Director of the Bay Area Center for Bioethics and Culture, and travels extensively speaking to groups on the issue of bioethics. The Center for Bioethics and Culture (CBC) is composed of Doctors, Nurses, Ethicists, Clergy, Educators, and other professionals coming together to educate and equip people of traditional Judeo-Christian faith in bioethics issues of the 21st Century, a century already christened "the Biotech Century," and holds periodic conferences bringing some of the best thinkers in the bioethics field together to educate and shape public policy. Contact:www.thecbc.org; Jennifer.Lahl@thecbc.org