From: Hal Finney (hal@finney.org)
Date: Sun May 05 2002 - 12:11:06 MDT
I did think McGinn made an interesting point which I haven't seen elsewhere:
> Fukuyama spends a good deal of time discussing Prozac and Ritalin, and
> he argues convincingly that these drugs are heavily overprescribed...
> These concerns are well taken, but I am not sure why Fukuyama includes
> the drug issue on his list and not other issues that also do not directly
> involve genetic tinkering and reproductive technology. What about the
> whole question of artificial intelligence and the enhancement of human
> abilities by means of neural implants? Information technology also raises
> serious questions for human well-being, as the electronic circuit gets
> closer to the neural circuit.
The point here is that you can't really oppose biotech enhancements
without also opposing cybertech enhancements as well. Apparently Fukuyama
does not discuss the "threat" to human nature from cyborg style technology
integration. But it seems safe to assume that he will oppose it, once
he learns about it.
This might be a memetic wedge to weaken the foundations of the
neoluddites. People like using their computers and cell phones.
Improving integration of these devices will make them even more fun.
See Vinge's story where augmented reality turns the whole world into a
video game, letting you visit Grandma across the country in the blink
of an eye.
Attempts to cast this technology as demonic or threatening to human nature
are bound to fail. If people can become comfortable with technological
integrations that effectively expand human capabilities and potential,
then perhaps biological enhancements will seem less threatening as well.
We've got these two major parallel paths into a posthuman future.
The burden is on the neoluddites to block them all, or their program
will have failed. Ultimately I continue to believe that our side has
an overwhelming advantage in the dispute.
Hal
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