Human augmentation, related to science fiction, is becoming an increasingly plausible reality due to rapid advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and cyberpunk nature. Human augmentation is technologies that improve human capabilities. For example, prosthetics that are in a literal sense, a limb (arm or leg) can enhance cognitive functions. The future for human augmentation has huge potential and power to redefine what it means to be human. Reflecting on all the possibilities and challenges that may be faced with augmentation, I believe that within my lifetime, the lines between human and machine will be blurred significantly. Of course, this isn’t something that I would want. This type of change will raise ethical issues and changes within society.
When considering what adaptations, I would personally embrace, practicality and ethical considerations play a key role in my life as I have to think beyond how this can be beneficial or not. I would be interested in augmentations that improve health or alleviate physical limitations. I am a person who doesn’t like to see people struggle, so personally I would like the idea of enhanced vision or the prevention of hereditary diseases. I wish there was a world where people didn’t get sick all the time and then suffer and sometimes die. So, if there were ways that this could be prevented, I would definitely advocate for it. I would also consider cognitive enhancements that promote mental clarity and focus. As said in the Weekly Warmup, how mental health awareness is something important that’s not often expressed enough. I think it should definitely be expressed and have enhancements; while not altering a human’s capability and identity; changing them to who they are not. The world would be a better place. Don’t you think? I believe that the adaptations will have the goal of maximizing human potential.
On the other hand, I do believe that some forms of augmentation would be unacceptable to me. I think before augmentation should be considered there’s a need to openly discuss details on how this can be beneficial not only to one person but to many in a pleasant way. Any enhancements that risk deepening societal inequalities or creating new forms of discrimination would be unsettling. For example, luxury augmentations accessible only to the wealthy could exacerbate existing divides, which would only shine a light on the fact that the underprivileged deserve to be in the position that they are in. To add, I also feel that any adaptations that undermine individual autonomy in the fact that they allow external control over thoughts or actions would cross a critical ethical boundary. I say this because it reminds me of human and machine blur; the goal is to lessen that, not make it bigger.
To conclude, the evolution of human augmentation during my lifetime will present transformative opportunities. While I am optimistic about advancements that enhance well-being in individuals I am still cautious about the things that can be compromised. As these technologies continue to advance, it’s extremely important that society comes together in thoughtful discussions to ensure that human augmentation serves the collective good.