After reading Mischa Peters’s article “Exit Meat: Digital Bodies in a Virtual World,” I most identify with the “natural body”. The technology associated with an “enhanced body” can be scary and superfluous. I have no desire to have “retractable knives implanted in [my] hands.” I can simply find and use a regular knife or other tool. Granted this may be less convenient then having blades available in a split second wherever I go; however, I would never pay a hefty surgery bill and endure a probably extensive rehabilitation just for this convenience. Also, the idea that people can have deadly knives in an instant would be frightening. A short-tempered individual might become a murderer.
No one can circumvent death; everyone has to accept this. “Excessive organ transplantation” and “bioengineering to stop cell deterioration” seems like we are trying to conquer death. Technology should not be invented to attempt this. On the other hand, I do think there is nothing wrong with wanting to have a long, fruitful, and enjoyable life. Technology can be used sparingly to attain this. For me, a person with a prosthetic or pacemaker still have “natural bodies.” This technology can extend the life of and happiness of an individual.
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I'm a bit confused by your stance in the second paragraph. You provide your opinion that death should not be conquered. Then you say that you believe there is nothing wrong with trying to extend your life. Where is the limit for you? How can you say, 'yes, a pacemaker that enables your heart to continue,' is acceptable, but that everyone must accept death, and technology should not try to deny that?
ReplyDeleteVery stimulating discussion, this technology mixed in with modern medicine! I encourage you to evaluate your true opinion, and where you would draw the line! Good post!
It is good that you discussed the possible consequences and costs of having enhanced body. I definitely agree that there would be many problems such as dangers you mentioned if we were to have enhanced body.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I would also like to know more about why you think you most identify with natural body. Your post is too focused on why you would not like to be an enhanced body.
Brian I completely agree with you about the whole ordeal about knives being implanted in ones body. Personally, I think the author watched a little too much X-Men and might have a fascination with Wolverine. While I have often fantasized about the ability to draw blades from my hands at any moment, in a world without a mutant threat it is simply unnecessary. You put it best when saying a short tempered individual could instantly become a murderer. Lets save the knife-wielding hands heroics for the movies.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we should not be trying to utilize technology to overcome death and make us immortal, but people today are nevertheless trying this. Cryogenics and cloning are two technologies that I can think of that are geared at prolonging life to unbounded lengths and even creating life. Personally, I think the people behind this technology are trying to play God, and I think it is 100% wrong. However, I highly doubt that these endeavors will ever subside, as people are forever trying to invent new technology that improves and lengthens the lifespan.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your claim in the second paragraph. The gist that I got from these descriptions of the different bodies was as if they were trying to defy the possibility of death. I find the most beautiful aspect of the human body is that it is natural. Although it might have its limits, the fact that it is adaptable to so many situations is really interesting. The natural body without enhancements is able to adapt to its surroundings and build on past experiences. In my opinion, and I think you have the same one, I believe that technology should only be introduced to the body when a person has a substantial disability.
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