Would we Create our Replacements?
For those of you who have watched the anime Gundam Seed you'd probably find this article a little familiar. Why? Cos its on Genetic Engineering and how we could possible create a new species of humans that are smarter, faster, healthier, stronger and in all ways better than all the best people now. What is worrying, however, is the consequences it will have on society.
In Gundam Seed, genetically enhanced humans are called Coordinators and they are in a war with the normal humans called Naturals. This is just one of the possibilities. But you can imagine the other possibilities, both frightening and idealistic, when you think about how smart or better these new humans could be. It could be possible to create humans with IQs of 200 or more. That's rare nowadays, but it could be commonplace in the future. What would happen then? How would you handle a child that is so much smarter than you? Could you understand what is going on in his or her mind? Could you possibly even hope to teach him or her? Could you control him or her? And what would happen if you could not? Now think what would happen if this child was also a 100 times stronger or a 100 times faster than a normal human...
So, while Genetic Engineering is a great possibility for the human race's advancement, I think we should tread carefully in this field. Creating super-humans may be good for society or we may just be creating our replacements...
Click here for the full article.
In Gundam Seed, genetically enhanced humans are called Coordinators and they are in a war with the normal humans called Naturals. This is just one of the possibilities. But you can imagine the other possibilities, both frightening and idealistic, when you think about how smart or better these new humans could be. It could be possible to create humans with IQs of 200 or more. That's rare nowadays, but it could be commonplace in the future. What would happen then? How would you handle a child that is so much smarter than you? Could you understand what is going on in his or her mind? Could you possibly even hope to teach him or her? Could you control him or her? And what would happen if you could not? Now think what would happen if this child was also a 100 times stronger or a 100 times faster than a normal human...
So, while Genetic Engineering is a great possibility for the human race's advancement, I think we should tread carefully in this field. Creating super-humans may be good for society or we may just be creating our replacements...
Sometimes the most important clouds on the technological horizon don't get much ink.
One of these is the "genetic engineering" of people, usually suggested as a means of making the species more intelligent. This has been accurately described as "still science fiction, but barely." The necessary technologies are falling into place.
"We are fast approaching arguably the most consequential technological threshold in all of human history: the ability to alter the genes we pass to our children," says the Center for Genetics and Society.
Steve Sailer, founder of the Human Biodiversity Institute, said, "The evolution of the human race is about to accelerate almost unimaginably. Thus, we can no longer afford the comforting illusion that evolution doesn't really apply to humanity."
Click here for the full article.
posted by CS at 8:21 AM
4 Comments:
Haha. Well, his entitled to his opinion... I dun think I want my blog to be juz another record of what I did. I'd rather it'd be something more informative...
Anyway, the problem is that if they do create a super human, his or her Archilles heel may not be as simple as it was in Archilles' case. But of course, that is juz another doomsday theory. On the bright side, we might end up with a Clark Kent or Batman or Superwoman or (Cat's Fav) Catwoman. ;)
I think if there's really such "superhumans", as natural human beings, we may not blend well with them, like what CS mention, "can we control them"?
I rather hope this thing happens only in the next era. So what happens to cloning? Has it died down? It had be great if there was another "me" around... Haha...Just kidding anyway! :P
hee...
what i meant is we never know if these superhumans can do any farfetch things, what if they around to control natural humans instead? :P okay no "controlling" then.
but, hey rx regarding ur
" they're still creations of God, and they're on this planet to serve a special purpose " u got that right! :P
hmm but since we are creations of God, would the superhumans deem to not be creations of God, but human creations??? Sorry I'm getting out of the original topic. getting towards religion side, anyway... can disregard if it's sensitive.. :P but i agree for ur last sentence.. >> we noe he is a superman :P
Oei...Oei...
This topic not about me k? And I am NOT superhuman... I have not attained immortality like some rat, I do not have cat-like lameness and neither can I fly like a bird...
I guess "Control" isn't such an appropriate word. But, if your child is a 5 year old toddler who can do integration and Fourier transform, plus lift the fridge and run faster than your car, I would really, really worry when he/she throws a tantrum or when he/she reaches puberty.
And about the race thingy, I personally would treat them as any other human being (perhaps with a little awe, like I do whenever RX speaks) but I can't really say the same for the rest of the world. Juz look at how a different skin colour can cause problems and you'll get the idea...
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