Philosophy Unit 3&4;

When we consider the development of technology and its effect on living a Good Life, we must first analyse the fundamental issues that often arise from this area of debate. I will first touch bases on the notion of ‘Living a Good Life’ and why we cannot adequately identify nor define it. I will then introduce the concept of technology and how it can relate to some form of a good life, before discussing Transhumanism. In order to effectively evaluate the influence of technology on some form of a ‘Good Life’, I will contrast Philosophers Fredrick Nietzsche and Peter Singer, as I feel that they best imply the effects of technology.

Many consider the ‘Good Life’ to be a product of our ambition, or of something we aspire to. Whilst this may be correct, it does not simplify the overall concept of a Good Life. On the contrary, it provides more vague terms such as ‘ambition’. Many Philosophers refrain from identifying the good life in a conventional sense and opt to outline how the Good Life functions. Thus we must accept that the definition of a ‘Good Life’ is essentially subjective and thus pointless in defining it in any objective sense as it connotes various unique things for each individual. The mere concept of a Good Life cannot be articulated, at least for now. Any attempt in defining it is futile. Thus the ‘Good Life’ is an ambiguous concept in-and-of itself. The mere view we can be sure about is that there are many forms, interpretations, etc. of the ‘Good Life’. However, let us hypothetically assert that Mankind uses technology as a means to achieve a ‘God-like’ status, and thus this would be considered to be a form of a ‘Good Life’. To elaborate, we typically assign traits to Godly figures, whether or not we believe in them, such as immortality, omniscience, opulence and wisdom. Though, what if technology would enable us to fulfil these ideals or epitomes?

Transhumanism (abbreviated as H+ or h+) is an international cultural and intellectual movement with an eventual goal of fundamentally transforming the human condition by developing and making widely available technologies to greatly enhance human intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities. Already robotic limbs are being used to support amputees, and it can be argued that these limbs will override ‘natural’ human ones in terms of strength and lacking a nervous system. Furthermore, is this (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/3dprinted-electronic-glove-could-help-keep-your-heart-beating-for-ever-9166004.html) not suggesting the inevitable nature of immortality or living a pro-longed life, to say the least? And let us not discuss the revolutionary bionic eye. What if it is already possible for us to become immortal yet our progress is compromised by the two universal humanistic functions; fear and laziness?

Whilst some view Transhumanism as a means to alleviate suffering, they disregard the popularised notion of, ‘with the introduction of new technology comes new problems’. It is for this premise alone, which can be summarised as fear, which compromises our progressive abilities. This can be further explained as the impact of ‘Herd mentality’, as philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche proposed in his book, ‘Beyond Good and Evil’. Nietzsche asserted that in order to progress to a Good Life, the Herd, or general society, must be led by the Commander, or New Philosopher, via suffering on the Herd’s behalf. Whilst controversial, Nietzsche is valid in arguing that suffering may be a necessary and initial result in order for the herd to escape their entrapment. This argument can effectively be applied to the context of Trans-Humanism and how those who oppose it ought to be led to embrace it. In his book ‘Famine, Affluence and Morality’, Peter Singer, on the contrary, may dismiss Transhumanism as it will not effectively alleviate the suffering of those living in unethical conditions, at least not in any time soon. Transhumanism, like most technology is predominantly used to accommodate for the needs of only one individual, not many. Singer would not condone this as he is a preference utilitarian and views that we have a moral obligation to help those in need without sacrificing of comparable moral significance. Thus, Transhumanism is a much divided ideology.

Furthermore, to briefly discuss the topic of Artificial Intelligence, (AI), and its impact on Living a Good Life, deep-thinkers and moguls, likewise, do not have a consensus on the strength of AI and how it will affect our world. Various informed takes include Kurzweillian Singularity worship, Stephen Hawking's misquoted fears about AI and Bill Gates' premonitions that robots will vaporize jobs at a tipping point in the not-too-distant future.

Thus, technology, although a concept that has evolved with man, will always evoke scepticism predominantly for the reason that it conflicts with some people’s views on human nature in-and-of itself. Although we have already exhibited a myriad of forms of Transhumanism, we are yet to embrace it.

References:

Beyond Good and Evil – Friedrich Nietzsche

Famine, Affluence and Morality – Peter Singer

http://hplusmagazine.com/2015/03/12/transhumanism-beyond-good-evil-and-the-ubermensch/

http://hplusmagazine.com/2015/09/02/hacking-the-body-the-scientific-counter- culture-of-the-diybio-movement/

http://hplusmagazine.com/2015/09/01/genome-stability-leads-to-negligible-senescence/

- Enrique