TWC - Week 12 Discussion

Group Presentation Week 1

I will be discussing on an extension of one of the group presentations on week 12, the one about biological warfare. Related to this particular topic would be the topic of transhumanism: a way that modern humans can transcend themselves through genetic manipulations.

Transhumanism, it can be argued, is a way human can destroy humanity without any kind of "warfare", which means that it is much subtler and more people are not aware about this.

The follower of transhumanism believed in the usage of genetic engineering to create a better "breed" or "race" for humanity. They argue that it is  possible to insert all the "good" genes and remove all the "bad" genes in human and create a superhuman race which will be benevolent to both nature and mankind.

So, if there is a chance that this really happen, will I offer myself to be "transhuman"?

I might not want to be.

A lot of people might disagree, but this is what I really feel should not happen.

Technology do improve our lives, and productivity. But, it can be argued that it makes human even more detached than ever. Why?

The advent of internet, Skype, facebook, live video streaming and others seems to provide a platform for communications. A lot of critics have stated that there is a positive correlation between narcissism and the number of tweets on the internet. Their point of view might be biased, but I personally agree with them. There is no reason why you should broadcast your activity and feeling to the whole world. Well, not like anybody care that much, either...

Many people think that by liking a comment or posting a happy birthday post or by adding a friend in Facebook, then you are a friend already. But, how much of a friend are you if you can't even remember your friends' birthdays without looking at their facebook? How much of a friend are you if you comment on an issue on a problem and you think it counts as a consolation?

Of course, coming from a guy like me, those questions do not sound very credible indeed. But, if you are brought up thinking that saying happy birthday to a friend on his wall is sufficient a message, then you are already "detached" from your friend.There is just no replacement of meeting your friend and saying happy birthday and celebrating with him/her.

The point is: people stop asking what makes them "human". This definition of "human", I believe, should not be relative or subjective in any way. It is an objective truth that everyone ought to understand and commit to. Technology is a huge Red Herring for the pursuit of the answer to this question.

So is transhumanism.

 Before I proceed, I must confess that I am heavily influenced by my religious values.
My definition of "human" as a creation created by a sovereign Being in His image is enough to deter me from transhumanism, which would "change" this creation into something else.

So, what is the objective definition of "human"? I do not the answer to that question, but I'll surely keep looking for the answer. This is a question everybody must ask themselves and seek the answer themselves.

So, start pondering, people.

Regards,

Ronny