- What does it mean to be human in the era of technology?
- How does “overcoming death” with technology conflict with what gives value to our lives?
- What are the risks of human enhancement with technologies, how should it be regulated?
A conversation with Carissa Véliz (AI Ethics Oxford Professor and author of Privacy is Power) and Álex Gómez-Marín (theoretical physicist turned neuroscientist at the Institute of Neurosciences of Alicante in Spain), alongside Ángel Maldonado (CEO at Empathy Holdings) and Beatriz García (Events Specialist at the Ethical Commerce Alliance).
The meaning of life and the question of immortality
Does the pursuit of radical life extension and potential immortality change the meaning and value of human life?
Sartre believed that life has no intrinsic meaning—we create our own purpose, as Carissa Véliz stated. This contrasts with the Aristotelian view that life's meaning is derived from fulfilling one's potential and contributing to society. Immortality was debated as both a potential extension of life’s opportunities and a possible threat to the essence of what makes life precious—the fact that it ends.
Álex Gómez-Marin suggested that our current understanding of life, heavily influenced by scientific reductionism, has stripped away deeper meanings traditionally provided by philosophy and spirituality. A purely technological approach to human enhancement could lead to a pseudo-religious quest for immortality, echoing the ambitions of figures like Ray Kurzweil.
Are we losing something essential in our humanity by viewing life solely through the lens of technological progress?
The risks and ethical considerations of transhumanist technologies
How might transhumanist technologies impact social structures and inequality?
There is an obvious potential for increased inequality if enhancements such as cognitive-enhancing drugs or life-extension technologies become available only to the wealthy. The societal implications of a world where death is no longer a certainty could be profound, potentially leading to overpopulation and a lack of opportunities for future generations.
The idea of "promisomics"—the tendency to overpromise and underdeliver in technological advancements—was introduced as a critical concern. He argued for the need to remain vigilant about the promises and confusions propagated by the proponents of radical technological change, as these could obscure the ethical dilemmas involved.
Regulation, ethics and the search for a middle ground
Should there be regulations or limits on human enhancement technologies?
Some form of regulation is necessary, especially to prevent false promises and protect individuals from potential harm. Just as with other forms of advertising, false claims about the benefits of enhancement technologies should be legally challenged.
Ángel added that the journey towards an ethical framework might necessitate going through a crisis, as only in the ‘aftermath of significant challenges do societies typically develop comprehensive regulations’.
The emergence of ‘techno-religions’
Are we seeing the emergence of new 'techno-religions' based on transhumanist principles?
Alex argued that both science and religion seek meaning. Transhumanism can be viewed as a new form of spiritual pursuit for those who believe in the ultimate power of technology to overcome human limitations.
Technology can expand the boundaries of what is possible, but it also requires us to reflect deeply on what we value as a society and as individuals. In this technological age, defining the essence of humanity might just be our greatest challenge yet.
