From: jeff nordahl (jnordahl@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Dec 17 1999 - 19:13:49 MST
Just saw Bicentennial Man, and must say it was a pretty damn corny and candy
coated piece of sentimental claptrap, but it did at least touch on some
transhumanist concepts. The problem is that given all of the life improving
tranhumanist possibilities (eternal life through replaceable organs), the
robot and humans find it more appealing to die of old age.
Strange, the determining factor for being defined as human (which the
Supreme Court rules), is being mortal. The robot/human is pained by his
friends dieing, so instead of giving them replaceable and non-degenerating
bodies (which is the robot's invention and he contains) he chooses to get a
blood transfusion of degenarating blood so he can die with his loved ones.
Instead of elevating the human condition, it is better to conform to status
quo. Disappointing.
It is also rather chauvinistic by implying that being human is the ultimate
aspiration.
Over all, good initial concept laced with transhumanist ideas, but corny
maudlin drama, and status quo resolution.
(Even my 3rd grade teaching mother thought it was cheesy)
jeff
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