Transhumanism: Human Revolution

By Rosa Cho on June 5, 2012

“It may not be the end, but you can see it from here.”

Transhumanism sounds like the very stuff of science fiction. Technology advancing to the point where humans are rendered more machine than mere biology, consciousness borne into the infinite universe of the internet; it’s the veritable backbone of many a story out there

Yet, to its very core, transhumanism is a movement of philosophy, neuroscience, computer science, cognitive science, biology, and a veritable blend of almost every aspect of humanity. It is a revolutionary movement that has claimed that the human condition will evolve alongside the advancement of technology and, though it focuses about the future of humanity, incorporates age-old questions about the human condition such as immortality and enlightenment.

In our everyday lives, we are always encountering how the advancement of technology has influenced us. In the past, running water was a dream and the thought of “lightening in a bottle” the very stuff of myths and legends. Even now, we are still dreaming of a future in which would be possible for artificial limbs to become fully integrated into the human nervous system to the point it is virtually indistinguishable from a normal limb.

However, how much can we allow technology to advance without losing our humanity?

Though an all-too familiar (and a bit clichéd) concept explored in the media, this question has actually been around since ancient times. The Ship of Theseus is often considered to be an early example of this debate and simply asks the question, how much of the original ship can you replace and still retain its identity? As you continuously repair and renovate a ship, you strip away its original awnings and planks that compose it and replace it with newer ones. Over time, though it may look exactly like it originally had, it is still composed of new material, a veritable new ship in the image of the old.

Photo by Trucia on Flickr.com.

In a more elaborate example of the Ship of Theseus, let’s take a look at Deus Ex: Human Revolution, a game that explores transhumanism in both an immersive world and a philosophical question with many answers.
Meet Adam Jensen, a security guard for an augmentation company, Sarif, which has been known for its controversial but innovative research. However, in a terrorist attack, he is horrifically mauled and left for dead. Sarif then takes advantage of the dire situation by replacing his limbs and organs with advanced augmentations and machinery, transforming him into a virtual walking human tank. More machine than man, Adam is often conflicted with his changed self and his role at the core of a slew of conspiracies across the world that would greatly change the course of humankind. He, like the Ship of Theseus, has lost so much of his original body that he often finds himself questioning who he is.

However, he is not the only person who questions this conflict of technology and humanity. From a militant augmentation cartel which seeks to dominate all through force and fear to a “Purity First” movement which considers augmentations to be corrupting and dehumanizing, these factions represent various arguments that have been encountered through transhumanism and are still being heavily debated.

There is also the prospect of the cost of human lives for the sake of technological advancement. While there are those who are fortunate enough to enjoy the benefits of advanced technology, there are those who have to sacrifice their own livelihood to manufacture those very things. It is a no-win scenario where one has to pay more for another’s luxury. Taking into considering social class struggle, DX: HR does not take this lightly and, in execution, performs this well by giving you a freedom of choices that each will have an effect around you.

In all, transhumanism is a multi-layered concept that has its benefits and flaws, its sins and virtues.
Tune in next issue for the scientific aspects of transhumanism through modern day research, industry, and everything else in between.

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