Philosophy: Could Transhumanism Be The Next Step in Human Evolution?

While all the current talk surrounding Transhumanism sounds great in theory I still remain somewhat skeptical, at least for any of the advancements to happen any time soon. Then again, this shouldn't be a factor that derails us from continuing to enhance the human condition. Keep at it or die trying perhaps? What do you guys think?

In regards to biological evolution, the issue is how many of the positive effects are inheritable.

Crispr is out there but from what I've read, our genome is so complex, predicting inheritable changes is sketchy.

 

As to other enhancements.

Most of the mods seem more a temporary upgrade that end with death rather than bio-evolutionary events.

 

The pressures of natural selection in humans already has tilted to the 'un-natural' as our intellect becomes a prevailing influence in selectivity.

Selectivity goes beyond the influence of the environment as humanity alters the environment in seeking success as a species.

 

With Transhumanism, change is focused on the individual.

The need for inheritable change becomes less relevant.

The possibility for evolutionary stagnation and even minor de-evolutionary trends becomes a problem.

A social problem. Who will be allowed to procreate?

 

And there is the issue of elitism and class struggle. Not everyone will have the financial ability for the upgrades while it will be the upgrades that favor wealth creation intensifying class divergence.

 

And of course, there will be the military's dark interests in devising generations of super soldiers.

 

 

With 'baby steps' most of the above won't be perceived until there are social problems.

Maybe 50 to 100+ years from now, socially, more of course on the biological angle. Many generations.

There will likely be many positives initially, but humanity isn't all that altruistic.

Someone usually figures out how to leverage a good idea for selfish reasons.

 

Resistance is futile.

'It's what we do'

I'm pretty sure there will be people kinda like the Amish who will reject the transhumanism for fear of big brother trying to control them.

It's another fad that will disappear in a few months.

I'm not of the evolutionist persuasion, but if a man on mars was observing the overall human race for the last 150 years, he would come to the conclusion that devolution was taking place, not the opposite.

I think the fad will grow.

 

Musk has been pushing autonomous driving in his car line but also developing a neuralink technology that will, as crazy as it sounds, likely be incorporated into the driving experience.

Of course, his pitch is in improving the human condition, but consider. ......how can machine, AI or otherwise, distinguish imagination from reality.....and apply it to safe driving? Or the operation of any device?

Each and every time a dangerous thought occurs? Road rage anyone?

 

Only a mindless zombie would be relatively safe behind the wheel and help us all if he gets the munchies for brains. lol.

 

Tesla builds cars with autonomous controls.

People wreck them and yet the sales keep increasing.

Salesmanship and a good advertising campaign can sell almost anything....for a while, of course.

 

Being augmented will sell well, imho.

For how long is a question only time will tell.

Hey Johnny.....view a few repeats of Startrek Voyager vs. the Borg. I guarantee you the drones will never have a car accident.

Can't you just see it now? The car dealerships will offer you options (huge extra cost, of course):  brain implants that will drive for you, back up for you, honk the horn for you, and parallel park for you. And for extra cost there is a 3 year, neuron to neuron guarantee of all parts & labor!  AND for additional cost, guaranteed lifetime nursing home if the implants screw up your nervous system and disable you.

"Now", Elan asks, "how can you pass up a deal like that?".

The CIA thinks it's GREAT! Now they can hack into every person who drives and know everything. Everybody Wins!  Ain't progress wunnerfal!

Sure and the very rich will buy immortality medical  treatments and live for centuries without aging. The rest will live normal life spans.

Elon Musk says first human patient will soon receive Neuralink brain implant

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/elon-musk-says-first-human-175154356.html

 

In a blog post, Neuralink announced that recruitment is open for the first-in-human clinical trial of its wireless brain-computer interface

 

I wonder how long it will take to get hacked and the recipient no longer runs as root?

And what about range issues?

 

Or....if an upgrade is corrupted or causes a conflict ( Windows anyone? ) could civilization experience a zombie apocalypse?

 

 

Just saying....his cars aren't perfect.

 

We could all end up in a Matrix movie spinoff..........

I think that you need to examine the term "Evolution"

 

In the future, Neural Links, may become necessary for certain tasks, but until Homo Sapiens develops the ability to grow the mechanical bits, evolution is not a possibility.

 

Of course, if a child is born that can read minds or manipulate objects, its progeny will become the dominant species over a few generations, possibly as few as 8 generations.

Shoot I think all of the technological advancements we've had over the past two decades probably made most of the human population dumber AKA devolving. And if we're not careful will turn into a idiocracy.   

SS: We've already become a kleptocracy.

@ wee-eddie

 

Yep crony capitalism indeed.

When I see transhumanism, I think super soldiers.  Men who are so hard-hearted that they focus on ruthless killing with no remorse whatsoever.

 Replying as some Americans would.

 

 

Sure and the very rich will buy immortality medical  treatments and live for centuries without aging. The rest will live normal life spans.

 

In a capitalist market driven, strictly profit at all costs. forget about people world like we have today, I do not see a problem with that. If you can't afford to live for 300 years how is that my problem.  the poor are an expendable commodity to be used as the rich see fit and that included cannon fodder. I will use my money and connections to make sure your son ends up on the front line in some war that benefits my bank balance while making sure my son never sees a uniform

 

At the end of the day its all about me and mine Bubba, If I give yoy 60 cents an hour more in wages How will I be able to afford the immortality pill and a new Tesla  every 2 years?

 

Dont like your station in life???? Get a better job, Can't get a better job because you lack the skills? Get a better Education....

Edited by NickAu, 30 December 2023 - 08:12 PM.

Education doesn't equal worth lot

There are always those who are stronger and wealthier and more knowledgeable then you'll ever be just as there are those much bigger, stronger, and more resilient then you at adopting making your ideological minded people weak and dumbfounded when it comes to your global utopian society where everyone is equal and everyone has an equal say in life, and then you will cry because you took away your defenses and they lay pillage to your sweet ideological utopian villages and nations.