ФИЛОСОФИЯ / 4.Философия культуры

Elkhova Oksana Igorevna, Doctor of Philosophy , professor, Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Bashkir State University, Russia;

 

HUMAN TRANSFORMATION IN THE MODERN WORLD

 

At the end of XX beginning of XXI centuries the topic of human technological transformation is represented in the philosophical systems transhumanists A. Bolonkin, I. Vishev, G.Moravek, G. Reynolds, F. Fukuyama, R. Ettinger.

In transhumanism improvement of the human body through the use of technological methods, going beyond the usual limits of human existence become targets. The transhumanist concepts approved by the thought that as a result of scientific and technological revolution to replace the person will posthuman (human-modified), which has fundamentally new skills. Among the means of becoming a posthuman mentioned: nanotechnology, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine for mood changes and memory improvement, anti-aging therapy, embedded computing devices. Transhumanists also hold ideas about informational nature of the human psyche, the preservation of which is becoming a matter of technique, here it grows the idea of human immortality.

In recent years, the immense scale of the development becomes associated with nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is currently one of the most important and priority directions of modern science. In scientific discussions of nanotechnology are considered as the basis of a new technological revolution that will lead to fundamental changes in all spheres of society, to a change in its quality of life and, as a consequence, the social aspects. While for most people the term «nanotechnology» is an abstraction, but today nanotechnology become a key science and technology orientation.

The basic principles of nanotechnology research acquire the character of an interdisciplinary methodology, which is the leading application areas: physics, chemistry, biology. Formation of new paradigm in science, technology and engineering, determines the development of nanotechnology, human picks up the theme of the technical transformation of a previously unprecedented level. We can say that now unfolds nanotechnology boom, there are specific areas of scientific and practical research as a nanobiology and nanomedicine.

The research programs of nano bio technology involved a growing number of scientists. Thus, one of its directions is to create a special molecular devices intended for the detection of certain substances present in the human body to detect specific nucleic acid sequences and indicates a change in the genetic material of cells and mutations. Practical problems nanomedicine is the application of high-tech methods for the treatment of human and rejuvenation. Experimental studies in this area are related to the use of nano-sized particles, which in human blood can pass to any body, even the most narrow capillaries.

There are already developing: the robot repairman, mechanical "surgeon" in the circulatory system, «assembler» − a device for repair of living organisms. Currently, research is underway to create micro devices that are able to function within the body. It is expected that these devices will either be permanently fixed, or will be able to navigate through the surface of the inner cavities of the human body and even make its passages in the tissues. It can be expected that the yield on a commercial biotechnology market for new systems will take place in the foreseeable time for us.

It argued the thesis that replaced biological evolution of man, which has come to its limit, coming technological evolution of man, in which further changes occur in the human side of his transformation into a cybernetic organism. As a result of such changes the person will receive «cyber body». It is worth emphasizing that it will not have anything to do with the awkward robot body, stuffed with wires, buttons and sockets. Scientific studies in recent years show that much more efficient and easier to "grow" in vitro human organs that are super complex structure than to invent and create their mechanical counterparts. Man will become living, biological and heavy-duty bodies will also experience the fullness of all the feelings and experiences. Ideally, such a body is not subject to aging, his physical abilities will also be commensurate with the human. Post human intelligence and memory will be many times greater than the human in its parameters. As the cybernetic organism is to some extent a result of the application of certain technologies, it will have the technical characteristics [1].

With the introduction of technological innovations in the first place are cost-effectiveness, the possible social risks and the ethical implications of such an implementation is almost no one are calculated. On many social and ethical implications of people do not even realize. Possible scenario, when a group of post human, which has the ability to transform their mental and physical abilities, acquire mastery over those who for such improvements will not be enough money. Danger occurring transformation processes of life for each individual is that they are able to destroy the existing structure of his human existence, many of which are inherently fragile and vulnerable to various kinds of deformations. However, the erosion of social structures there is the alienation of man from his own essence.

In conclusion, we note that modern technologies have reached a level of development that is already able to actually modify the human. The idea of the indigenous «improve» the functioning of the human body and mind present in the culture at all times and found its most complete clearance in transhumanist concepts. Unfolding of informatization and computerization of processes have already changed the socio-cultural reality. With the development of nanotechnology to replace the biological evolution of man, coming technological evolution of man, in which further changes occur in the human side of his transformation into a cybernetic organism. New technologies can lead to quite unexpected results. Possible negative social consequences of the process of human evolution. A person should keep a balance and not lose the harmony with the world in the unfolding scientific and technological progress.

References

1. Elkhova O.I. Cyborg as a result the process of human evolution (Киборг как результат технологической эволюции человека) // Вестник Уфимского государственного авиационного технического университета.  2013. Т. 18. № 5(66) 118-121.