Human Enhancement: Volume 1

Human Enhancement: Volume 1

Author: Stingray Hopper

Publisher: Karmel Graham

Published: 2023-12-23

Total Pages: 30

ISBN-13:

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Human Enhancement, Volume 1, is a collection of three short, science-fiction stories delving into topics including the metaphysical, simulation theory and human biological enhancement through robotics and AI. DAN AND THE CONTINUUM Six months after the passing of her best friend, Dan, Em has a dream about him. During this dream Dan shares some of the secrets of the afterlife, but is this just a dream, or has Em astral traveled to another realm? THE ENHANCED HUMAN INITIATIVE Heather wants to live a fuller physical life, and for her that means swapping her biological legs for bionic limbs. She’s ready for the physical enhancement, but did not anticipate the psychological breakthrough it would provide or her new journey with the global military. PROGRAM UPDATE The planet Terra is in need of a full system upgrade to get its simulation operating at minimum requirements to accommodate AI and hybrid terrestrials. The question is, will pure humanoids be able to handle this upgrade without degradation and does the inter-dimension joint committee care?


Human Enhancement

Human Enhancement

Author: Julian Savulescu

Publisher: Oxford University Press on Demand

Published: 2009-01-22

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 0199299722

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To what extent should we use technological advances to try to make better human beings? Leading philosophers debate the possibility of enhancing human cognition, mood, personality, and physical performance, and controlling aging. Would this take us beyond the bounds of human nature? These are questions that need to be answered now.


Truly Human Enhancement

Truly Human Enhancement

Author: Nicholas Agar

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2013-12-13

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 0262318989

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A nuanced discussion of human enhancement that argues for enhancement that does not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. The transformative potential of genetic and cybernetic technologies to enhance human capabilities is most often either rejected on moral and prudential grounds or hailed as the future salvation of humanity. In this book, Nicholas Agar offers a more nuanced view, making a case for moderate human enhancement—improvements to attributes and abilities that do not significantly exceed what is currently possible for human beings. He argues against radical human enhancement, or improvements that greatly exceed current human capabilities. Agar explores notions of transformative change and motives for human enhancement; distinguishes between the instrumental and intrinsic value of enhancements; argues that too much enhancement undermines human identity; considers the possibility of cognitively enhanced scientists; and argues against radical life extension. Making the case for moderate enhancement, Agar argues that many objections to enhancement are better understood as directed at the degree of enhancement rather than enhancement itself. Moderate human enhancement meets the requirement of truly human enhancement. By radically enhancing human cognitive capabilities, by contrast, we may inadvertently create beings (“post-persons”) with moral status higher than that of persons. If we create beings more entitled to benefits and protections against harms than persons, Agar writes, this will be bad news for the unenhanced. Moderate human enhancement offers a more appealing vision of the future and of our relationship to technology.


Spiritualities, ethics, and implications of human enhancement and artificial intelligence

Spiritualities, ethics, and implications of human enhancement and artificial intelligence

Author: Ray Kurzweil

Publisher: Vernon Press

Published: 2020-03-02

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 1622738691

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By taking a religiously and spiritually literature approach, this volume gets the heart of several emerging ethical issues crucial to both human identity and personhood beyond the human as technology advances in the areas of human enhancement and artificial intelligence (AI). Several significant questions are addressed by the contributors, such as: How far should we go in improving our biological selves? How long should we aspire to live? What are fair and just human enhancements? When will AIs become people? What does AI spirituality consist of? Can AIs do more than project humour and emotions? What are the religious undertones of these high technology quests for better AI and improved human existence? Established and emerging voices explore these questions, and more, in Spiritualities, ethics, and implications of human enhancement and artificial intelligence. This volume will be of interest to university students and researchers absorbed by issues surrounding spiritualities, human enhancement, and artificial intelligence; while also providing points for reflection for the wider public as these topics become increasingly important to our common future.


Human Enhancement Drugs

Human Enhancement Drugs

Author: Katinka van de Ven

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-06-12

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1351373838

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Despite increasing interest in the use of human enhancement drugs (HEDs), our understanding of this phenomenon and the regulatory framework used to address it has lagged behind. Encompassing public health, epidemiology, neuroethics, sport science, criminology, and sociology, this book brings together a broad spectrum of scholarly insights and research expertise from leading authorities to examine key international issues in the field of HEDs. As "traditional" and other "new" drug markets have occupied much of the academic attention, there has been a lack of scholarly focus on human enhancement drugs. This book provides readers with a much-needed understanding of the illicit drug market of HEDs. The authors, from a variety of cultural contexts, disciplines and perspectives, include both academics and practitioners. Topics explored in this collection amongst others include: • The anti-doping industry and performance and image enhancing drugs • Steroids and gender • The use of cognitive enhancing drugs in academia • The use of sunless synthetic tanning products • The (online) trade of HEDs • Regulations of the enhancement drugs market This collection will serve as a reference for students, academics, practitioners, law enforcement and others working in this area to reflect on the current state of research and consider future priorities. This detailed exploration will provide a valuable knowledge base for those interested in human enhancement drugs, while also promoting critical discussion.


Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity

Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity

Author: Bert Gordijn

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-10-20

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 1402088523

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As we are increasingly using new technologies to change ourselves beyond therapy and in accordance with our own desires, understanding the challenges of human enhancement has become one of the most urgent topics of the current age. This volume contributes to such an understanding by critically examining the pros and cons of our growing ability to shape human nature through technological advancements. The authors undertake careful analyses of decisive questions that will confront society as enhancement interventions using bio-, info-, neuro- and nanotechnologies become widespread in the years to come. They provide the reader with the conceptual tools necessary to address such questions fruitfully. What makes the book especially attractive is the combination of conceptual, historical and ethical approaches, rendering it highly original. In addition, the well-balanced structure allows both favourable and critical views to be voiced. Moreover, the work has a crystal clear structure. As a consequence, the book is accessible to a broad academic audience. The issues raised are of interest to a wide reflective public concerned about science and ethics, as well as to students, academics and professionals in areas such as philosophy, applied ethics, bioethics, medicine and health management.


Cognitive Enhancement

Cognitive Enhancement

Author: Elisabeth Hildt

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-08

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 9400762534

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Cognitive enhancement is the use of drugs, biotechnological strategies or other means by healthy individuals aiming at the improvement of cognitive functions such as vigilance, concentration or memory without any medical need. In particular, the use of pharmacological substances (caffeine, prescription drugs or illicit drugs) has received considerable attention during the last few years. Currently, however, little is known concerning the use of cognitive enhancers, their effects in healthy individuals and the place and function of cognitive enhancement in everyday life. The purpose of the book is to give an overview of the current research on cognitive enhancement and to provide in-depth insights into the interdisciplinary debate on cognitive enhancement.


Engineering the Human

Engineering the Human

Author: Bert Jaap Koops

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-02-12

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 3642350968

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The volume is collection of articles treating the topic of human improvement/enhancement from a variety of perspectives – philosophical, literary, medical, genetic, sociological, legal etc. The chapters in this volume treat not only those aspects that most immediately come to mind when one thinks of ‘human enhancement’, such as genetic engineering, cloning, artificial implants and artificial intelligence etc. Somewhat less obvious aspects include evolutionary perspectives in connection with the prolongation of the human lifespan, plastic surgery since its beginnings, and questions such as whether the distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ can really be drawn at all and how it has been conceived across the ages, or what the legal implications are of recent developments and techniques. Many papers make links to the representation of these developments in popular culture, from Jules Verne through Aldous Huxley to the movie Gattaca, address the hopes and fears that come with them as well as the question how realistic these are. While all chapters are written by scientists at the international top of their respective fields, all are accessible to a non-specialist audience and eminently readable. We believe that they represent a state-of-the art overview of questions that are of interest to a large audience. The book thus targets a non-specialist audience with an interest in philosophical, sociological, scientific and legal issues involved in both traditional and recent matters concerning the desire of mankind to improve itself, the human body, the human mind and the human condition. It is unique in that it brings together all these aspects within a coherent and cohesive collection.


Enhancing Human Capacities

Enhancing Human Capacities

Author: Julian Savulescu

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-05-12

Total Pages: 811

ISBN-13: 1444393545

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Enhancing Human Capacities is the first to review the very latest scientific developments in human enhancement. It is unique in its examination of the ethical and policy implications of these technologies from a broad range of perspectives. Presents a rich range of perspectives on enhancement from world leading ethicists and scientists from Europe and North America The most comprehensive volume yet on the science and ethics of human enhancement Unique in providing a detailed overview of current and expected scientific advances in this area Discusses both general conceptual and ethical issues and concrete questions of policy Includes sections covering all major forms of enhancement: cognitive, affective, physical, and life extension


Enhancing Evolution

Enhancing Evolution

Author: John Harris

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2010-09-27

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13: 1400836387

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In Enhancing Evolution, leading bioethicist John Harris dismantles objections to genetic engineering, stem-cell research, designer babies, and cloning and makes an ethical case for biotechnology that is both forthright and rigorous. Human enhancement, Harris argues, is a good thing--good morally, good for individuals, good as social policy, and good for a genetic heritage that needs serious improvement. Enhancing Evolution defends biotechnological interventions that could allow us to live longer, healthier, and even happier lives by, for example, providing us with immunity from cancer and HIV/AIDS. Further, Harris champions the possibility of influencing the very course of evolution to give us increased mental and physical powers--from reasoning, concentration, and memory to strength, stamina, and reaction speed. Indeed, he says, it's not only morally defensible to enhance ourselves; in some cases, it's morally obligatory. In a new preface, Harris offers a glimpse at the new science and technology to come, equipping readers with the knowledge to assess the ethics and policy dimensions of future forms of human enhancement.