‘Transhumanism,’ the potential dark side of technological advancement
The pursuit of eternal life for the physical body carries important considerations for technology, but also for faith
By Dr. Ben Carson - - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Throughout history, the advance mankind has been inextricably intertwined with the advance of technology. Technological advancement has allowed us to reduce poverty and hunger, save lives through modern medicine, and generally improve human flourishing. For example, advancements in the use of prosthetics, implants, and robotics have allowed the disabled to regain mobility and independence. We have seen paraplegics walk again with the use of exoskeletons and a double amputee compete in the Olympics. Indeed, it appears there is no limit to what the future may hold.
But there are always limits to what is right and just: Merely because we can do something does not mean that we should do it. We must move forward not only safely, but also ethically and morally. Too often morality is determined by the prevailing societal preferences of the day rather than grounded fundamental truths, such as the fact that we are all children of God, created in His image. Too often, the pursuit of the next great breakthrough forgets this, as with the recent case of researchers successfully growing monkey embryos containing human cells.
The line between technology that helps humanity thrive, and that which changes humanity on some fundamental level, can be difficult to police. As technology continues to advance rapidly, it can become enmeshed in our lives before implications of its use have been fully considered. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly enmeshed in our lives in myriad different ways, such as answering emails, shopping online, getting driving directions, or even parking your car. That AI makes our lives more efficient, few could deny. Yet many, including technology pioneer Elon Musk, are concerned that AI is the greatest threat to humanity, running the risk that it will be our undoing or change us in some fundamental way.
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