Should there be limits to progress?

The essence of humanity lies in our insatiable thirst for knowledge and our capacity to collaborate on a grand scale, molding our surroundings to suit our needs. In tandem with this pursuit, we are accompanied by a realm of conscious experiences, teeming with sensations, creative thoughts, and boundless innovation. These qualities have driven us to unimaginable heights, leaving an indelible mark upon the world and ushering forth an era of unprecedented technological prowess.

But, as we forge ahead, transforming our world and our lives at an astonishing pace, we must confront the question: should there be limits to the extent of our research and technological progress? As we redefine the boundaries of human experiences, challenging conventional limitations, should we impose restrictions upon this transformative process, which fuels our understanding of the universe and our place within it?

Space travel, once confined to the realm of science fiction, has become a tangible reality, promising immense potential for expanding our knowledge of the universe, discovering new resources, and finding habitable environments beyond Earth; the development of sustainable energy sources could mitigate the environmental challenges we face, ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come; we have gained the power to cultivate bigger, more efficient crops and engineer our livestock to meet our needs, ensuring abundant nourishment; meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence captivates the imagination with its potential. But it is in the realm of biomedical engineering and the enigmatic domain of transhumanism where the conundrum of ethics and moral quandaries unveils itself most profoundly, challenging the very essence of our understanding of the human experience.

Advancements within these spheres present the tantalizing prospect of envisioning a reality where extraordinary pharmaceutical breakthroughs can unlock the latent capacities of the human intellect. Picture a world where individuals can delve into their untapped mental reservoirs, bolstering creativity, problem-solving, and learning capacity. Or imagine a reality where technologies possess the capability not solely to combat ailments and maladies, but also to completely eliminate aging as a primary cause of death. Even more profoundly laden with ethical implications is the boundless potential ushered in by our recent mastery of genetics. It is at least conceivable (*see caveat below) that in the forthcoming era, parents might wield the capacity to meticulously sculpt their offspring, turning the pages of a catalogue brimming with preferred characteristics: eye color, hair texture, height, stature, nose shape, whether the toe next to the big toe is longer than the big toe, temperament, intelligence…

* (However, it is crucial to acknowledge at this juncture that diseases and traits that are predominantly influenced by solitary genes, such as sickle cell anemia, or those modulated by merely a small cluster of genes—like the kaleidoscope of eye colors dictated by approximately eight genes—are exceedingly rare. The majority of the most prevalent disorders arise from intricate interactions between a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. It is improbable that genetic engineering will remedy ailments rooted in such intricate etiologies anytime soon. Ergo, the notion of “designer babies,” replete with predetermined attributes like athletic prowess and prodigious intelligence, primarily inhabits the realm of fiction (for now). Numerous traits of interest are under the dominion of hundreds, if not thousands, of genetic influencers. Yet, for the purposes of this discourse, let us posit that we stand at the threshold of deciphering some of these intricate genetic entanglements with the guidance of AI—an exercise not inconceivable. We are forced to ponder whether we ought to embark on the journey of untangling these convoluted interplays at all.)

Furthermore, even more intriguing and formidable to conceive in this envisioned world of tomorrow, is the prospect of harnessing technology to augment our bodies and minds, thereby enriching the very quality of our conscious experiences. This is no mere flight of fancy; it is an unfolding reality. Consider the case of Neil Harbisson, the world’s first cyborg, a pioneer distinguished for implanting an antenna within his cranium—an innovation that endows him with the ability to “perceive” a broader electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing the realms of both infrared and ultraviolet dimensions. Furthermore, an accessible and tangible product, open for acquisition and implantation by anyone, confers an exceptional capability—to sense and navigate magnetic fields akin to certain animal counterparts such as birds, fish, and lobsters. This innovation transcends the limitations of a simple compass, functioning as a conduit not solely for alerting individuals to the magnetic north but also to potentially enrich their very perception of reality—a latent sixth sense awaiting activation.

Nevertheless, why confine our aspirations to an antenna or an extra sense shared with lobsters? We have the capacity to envisage a more profound progression, imagining a full merger with machines, completely transforming ourselves into the embodiments of our loftiest aspirations—an evolution beyond the confines of conventional humanity, ushering forth the era of the “posthuman” or the transcendental übermensch. The prospect of merging humans with machines to enhance physical attributes, such as strength, agility, and stamina, opens up new vistas of human potential. Athletes could push the boundaries of human performance, achieving superhuman feats that were once considered unimaginable. Individuals with physical disabilities could regain their mobility, and soldiers on the front lines could be equipped with superior abilities to protect and serve.

Yet, this fusion between flesh and machine also raises profound existential questions. The boundary between human and machine blurs as we become increasingly intertwined with our technological creations. At what point do we cease being human and become something new? How would society define and accept these cyborgs as part of the human fabric? And what implications would this have for our sense of identity and belonging? There are also other ethical considerations, such as the risks of surveillance, invasion of privacy, and the potential for unauthorized access or manipulation of our thoughts and memories.

On that note, it is now time delve into the crux of the matter—the four pivotal moral and ethical criticisms that challenge the unbridled surge of technological advancement. The first of these revolves around the bedrock of inherent morality. Critics (usually religious) immediately object and raise the concern that such unfettered progress pose real threats to sacrosanct human values. For instance, genetic advancements could be seen as posing the threat of playing God, irrevocably distorting the pinnacle of his creation (humanity). But, so what? Since we created the concept of God, are we not entitled to embrace such transformations and, dare we say, refine and improve on any perceived imperfections? We submit that an unyielding imperative compels humanity to strive for progress and improvement of the human condition. We have a solemn duty to expand the horizons of our knowledge, to unravel the mysteries woven into the cosmos. Moreover, an innate yearning impels us to amplify the scale and scope of our conscious experiences, to breach the boundaries of the mundane and venture into a realm more profound. Indeed, it is even desirable for humanity to enter a transhuman phase of existence, wherein we transcend the limitations of our inherent nature. It is in this transcendence that we redress the perceived oversights of any divine architect. Yet, this endeavor goes beyond mere rectification; it is an audacious endeavor to immerse ourselves in a deeper communion with the exquisite symphony of existence, a harmonious symposium we can only glimpse in fragments.

A second critique beckoning our contemplation concerns the realm of human identity. The convergence of humans and machines raises a symphony of existential quandaries, eroding our essential humanity, resulting in the loss of human identity. Yet, let us not be swayed by trepidation, for the core argument persists: so what? At what juncture do we forsake our humanity and assume an altered state of existence? Yet again, should we not seize this merging, transcending our limitations and transforming into something greater—the übermensch.

However, an issue looming even more ominously is the possibility of deepening societal disparities. The third critique, therefore, scrutinizes the socioeconomic ramifications that could emerge. Access to these technological breakthroughs might primarily benefit the affluent, further perpetuating the wealth divide. Indeed, the chorus of voices raised against the transhumanist movement often finds its most resounding notes in the apprehensions surrounding the exacerbation of social inequalities. If left unchecked, this trajectory could eventually, after adequate time, propel us towards the emergence of two distinct human species: one shaped by natural selection and the other transformed through artificial manipulation. This scenario challenges our preconceived notions of humanity, thrusting us into uncharted terrain.

The prospect that a subset of society, endowed with exclusive privileges, could journey towards an elevated state, leaving behind a counterpart confined to the shadows, is a troubling prospect indeed. The potential inability to interbreed, coupled with diminished physical well-being and capabilities, could usher in a hierarchical moral framework that casts one faction in a seemingly diminished moral light. But, once again, so what? Could it be that this is an inevitable trajectory, an undeniable dance towards the realm of the übermensch? Transhumanism resonates with this concept—an echoing aspiration towards transcending the limitations that have long defined the human experience. After all, the classification of “species”, is but a fragile construct, a label we have superimposed upon nature (while bearing in mind, it is a stark reality that over 99% of the multitude of “species” that once graced the Earth have already been extinguished, with certain extinctions attributed to the influence of humanity). This looming prospect encourages us to revisit our moral compass, not solely in the context of potential human transformation, but as a wakeup call to reassess our treatment of all sentient entities—whether they be non-human creatures, denizens of extraterrestrial realms, or even the nascent life forms forged through artificial ingenuity.

All conscious experiences are valuable in our mostly dark and silent cosmos. We need to foster a more inclusive and empathetic perspective that transcends the confines of species and acknowledges the value in diverse authentic conscious experiences. We can even imagine AI surpassing human capabilities, potentially vying for resources and challenging our dominance on Earth and beyond. However, should these AI lifeforms demonstrate consciousness and a desire to expand understanding of the universe, relinquishing control to them might be imperative. The form of consciousness driving this pursuit should not matter; what truly matters is the existence of life forms capable of generating meaning through conscious experiences.

This brings us to our final and most formidable apprehension of technological progress—the potential homogenization of humanity in lieu of cherished diversity. As we redefine humanity and the human form, cognitively and physically, we run the risk of the perpetuation of traits deemed “desirable” within the contours of the prevailing society. This carries the latent potential to cast aside traits labeled as “undesirable,” consequently relegating them to the shadows of inferiority. And if these corporeal enhancements were to become universal, it will lead to the melancholic erosion of diversity and authenticity, an indispensable characteristic of the human condition and the bedrock of innovation and progress.

Yet, throughout human history, an enduring fascination for the enigmatic and the unconventional has taken root—a celebration of uniqueness. One only has to observe the harmonious convergence of diverse souls at a music festival (especially a multi-day heavy metal festival). The maxim “different strokes for different folks” encapsulates this sentiment, a hymn to the kaleidoscopic spectrum of human expression. We cherish authenticity. We celebrate the unique. It is our fervent hope that this kaleidoscope of diversity and authenticity shall persist undiminished, for it is within these intricate variations that the seeds of progress take root and flourish.

Ultimately, the argument in favor of relentless technological progress remains steadfast. If we can exercise prudence, ensuring that our capabilities do not result in self-annihilation or the destruction of conscious lifeforms before we have the opportunity to populate the cosmos, then technological advancement acts as the catalyst for expanding the scale and scope of consciousness. It enables us to glean insights into the universe, in the process amplifying our conscious experiences. Additionally, technological progress empowers us to venture into the uncharted territories of the cosmos, where untold conscious experiences await our encounter. As we harness the power of technology, we have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of the universe, to comprehend our place in its vast tapestry, and to expand the frontiers of human consciousness.