I believe that human augmentation will advance from a medical necessity to a personal enhancement in my lifetime. In order to treat diseases or disabilities, modern technology such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and prosthetic limbs are mostly rehabilitative. As these technologies progress and become more inexpensive, their focus is likely to turn to efficiency. While neural implants could improve cognitive function or memory, gene-editing methods may make it possible to eliminate inherited diseases or even select for traits that one would want. Implantable devices that offer health monitoring in real time or enhance physical traits like strength or endurance could replace wearable technology.
I would be able to argue for modifications that would enhance the health and standard of living because of these options. For example, to avoid cognitive loss that is associated with aging, I would look into brain enhancements or devices that improve the senses, such as VR implants. These inventions have the ability to improve not just the lives of individuals but also the efficiency and well-being of society as a whole.
However, I do believe that certain modifications are ethically questionable. For example, genetic alterations meant to improve IQ or superficial traits may worsen social inequality by dividing those who can afford these advancements from the ones who cannot. In the same way, philosophical questions over what it means to be human are raised by enhancements that significantly blur the line between human and machine, such as full-body cyborg transformations or artificially intelligent networks which destroy individual autonomy. These changes run the risk of destroying the basic characteristics of individuality and identity, transforming people into a divided and commercialized person.
Finally, human enhancements and modifications will bring both amazing potential and significant challenges. I favor inventions that improve equality, health, and the well-being of all people, but believe society has to carefully find a balance between advancement and morals to keep our common humanity in mind.
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