The United States military has been researching the implications of inserting implants into soldiers. Researchers focused on “ocular enhancements to imaging, sight, and situational awareness; restoration and programmed muscular control through optogenetic bodysuit; auditory enhancement for communication and protection; and direct neural enhancement of the human brain for two-way data transfer.” However, the study found that public perception of the mass adoption of cybernetics was an issue especially because of movies such as those in The Terminator franchise.
As Doug Hill explains in his article, “The eccentric genius whose time may have finally come (again)”, Norbert Weiner is the inventor of cybernetics and his fear of the future was because of two things: Humans can’t resist selfishly misusing the powers machines give to us and the inability to control machines due to their automation and intelligence. He refused to work with the military and corporations for ethical reasons which according to Hill, may have hindered his progress in technological advancements.
A troubling aspect of this research is, for some enhancements to be made, a soldier most-likely has to be injured for them to consider getting the surgery done due to the risk taken in surgery. Researchers stated, “neural implants for brain-computer interfacing would allow for seamless interaction between individuals and secondary asserts (machines). This control could be exerted upon drones, weapon systems, and other remote systems operated by an enhanced individual.”
The military is looking to cybernetically enhance soldiers to control machines, “but also transmission to operator (machine to brain) and human to human (command and control dynamics) to enhance situational awareness as drone, computational analytical, and human information is relayed to the operator.” DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has already tested a prosthetic memory chip and even Elon Musk is working on a plan to “achieve a symbiosis with artificial intelligence” and merge humans with AI so they can be able to keep up with it. Musk plans to conduct human trials soon which are intended to treat brain injuries.
Wiener’s reasons for worry may have been far-fetched during his time, however, as DARPA, the Pentagon, and Elon Musk continue their research into the cybernetic enhancements of humans, it is more than ever a cause for concern. As transhumanists advocate for emerging technology, they also consider the ethical ramifications involved. The ethical and legal complications of this research and implementation will have to be reconsidered as studies are conducted in this area.
Good article, I think the subject matter is very interesting and definitely a conversation we will be facing in the near term. Looking back at the first version, the addition of the second photo helps break up the text and make it seem easier to read. I also think you did a good job of picking and talking about a topic that is very relevant to the readings and the class in general. One suggestion I would have would have been to add some context on where this technology is now. You did briefly talk about this in the second to last paragraph but I think expanding it would be very helpful to bring this whole idea into the context of today.
ReplyDeleteCompared to the first time you wrote this article (which I read and commented on), it has improved relatively significantly. Your introduction has gotten stronger in the sense that it actually goes into the meaning of cybernetics and implants that are currently being researched on rather than just assuming the reader understands what you're talking about. I also like that you incorporate readings and quotations now even more smoothly so it does not feel forced into the article. Though the moral implications still seem a bit shaky in the article, the details and examples you provide are a good attempt at allowing the reader to understand the subject at hand. Your conclusion also feels a bit stronger with a little bit more insight at the state of "Cyborg Soldiers" today. Overall this is a great revision on a relevant topic.
ReplyDeleteAs a Sci-Fi fan I found your topic very interesting. I thought your pictures were very nice additions to your post. I can see where people abusing their cybernetic enhancements, if given them, comes into play as a moral dilemma. I also thought it was good that you included talks of where cybernetics are at today, especially with Elon Musk and what he is currently trying to do. You also mention their will be ethical and complications that come with this kind of technological advancement in your conclusion, which I thought was a good way to wrap it all up.
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