For the most part I have moved my blogging to Tumblr: http://digital1970.tumblr.com/ I will still post an occasional update here that I feel would be better suited to this, less frequented, blog.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Are Cyborgs the Future of Humanity?
Is the next step in human evolution cyborgs? Very doubtful, economically speaking it's just a really big stretch. I'd place my money on genetic enhancements trumping cybernetics, though I don't doubt cybernetic enhancements may find a short lived niche, somewhere.
The main drawback of cybernetics would be upkeep and upgrades. At the pace technological evolution is at currently, you have to change your computers and cell phones every few months to keep up with the latest advances. Would you be willing to go in and have your cybernetics upgraded as often?
Imagine the cost.
Also, cybernetic augmentations would not carry over through reproduction. So you'll have to budget each child's cybernetics.
Nanotechnology might simplify the installation and upkeep processes, but it would still be unpleasant and costly.
Biological and genetic engineering is most likely the road humanity will decide to follow if they decide to take control of their evolutionary path. The biggest benefit would be if the changes were such that they could be passed from parent to child. However, there's no saying if the parents upgrades would be compatible or cause some unforeseen mutations in the offspring.
In the end, you have to ask yourself, is it worth it?
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