As some posters already know I am fascinated by the concept of evolution, more precisely, taking evolution into our own hands. Lets look at the way evolution works for a moment. Evolution comes about from influences such as climate change, habitat, disease, etc. However technology has changed all that. We have the ability to solve problems, not to let nature decide who lives and who dies. We can deal with diseases that if left to take their course could kill thousands and leave but a few that have built immunity. So where does cybernetics come in? Here is the dictionary definition:
The theoretical study of control processes in electronic, mechanical, and biological systems; especially, the mathematical analysis of the flow of information in such systems.
But is that really all there is to it? Cybernetics offers humanity the chance to hold the reins, to evolve of its own accord. But why should we do this? Well there are many reasons for this. I remember watching some time ago on the discovery channel a program about the future of space travel. It highlighted important issues such as the effects on the body whilst in space and how in the long-term exposure would prove fatal. Radiation, bone disease, cancer. There was a lot of talk on the program about changing our physical form, adapting it for long term exposure to the riggers of long term space travel. But evolution is not limited to the physical form. Think about the evolution of communication. What if we could communicate to others across the world directly through our minds? A network of brains. Now Im not talking about turning humans into the Borg. What I am talking about is creating a global society, like those which exist on the internet except on a much bigger scale. Such an advance would bring the world so much closer together; the implications of such a discovery are far reaching. Think about the ability to transfer thoughts and feelings, to be long to a global society of linked minds. Of course youre going to need to buy a firewall with that brain enhancement!
What I have mentioned so far are but two possible outcomes of research into cybernetics. But what else can it offer? Well by the very nature of study, cybernetics will offer us greater understanding of how organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, etc work. With that knowledge we could create better, stronger more durable organs, organs unaffected by disease. I dont think I have to spell out the implications of such developments. In the foreseeable future cybernetics will certainly improve interaction and communication with computers. Research conducted at Brown University in Providence, R.I. allowed a man to move a mouse cursor on a screen using his mind. Just think about the implications of further development of such technology. No more keyboards (Thank god for that! After 10 years I still cant touch type!). You can go here for a more detailed report on it. Such technology could help paralysed people to walk again; using artificial limbs and brain implants.
So whats a cyborg? Well we already are a race of cyborgs. We use technology to aid our deficiencies. For example the walking stick is used to aid a poor leg just as glasses are used to improve problems with eyesight. In a sense, using the Internet makes us cyborg. Im using a forum as an alternate means of interacting with a society. It is a different method of communication.
The leading authority on cybernetics is a Brit called Kevin Warwick. He has pioneered research in the field. He has had two operations to implant devices into his body. The first was a small chip that would send a signal to the department computer every time he entered the building. This triggered lights and a computer greeting. The second operation was to implant a device for recording information from the median nerve fibres in his arm. This was later tested, allowing a robotic arm to mimic Kevins movements as information was passed from the implant to the robotic arm. For more information go here.
Before this discussion kicks off I would like to lay down a few ground rules.
This discussion is for the scientific types on this forum so I dont want to see people banging on about the blasphemous nature of altering Gods creation. However I welcome views on the potential problems that may arise from such technology.
Please post any sources of information you have found. Share the knowledge!
I am not a moderator; as such I cannot in anyway enforce these rules so I am going to rely on the old-fashioned honour system.
Lets adapt.
The theoretical study of control processes in electronic, mechanical, and biological systems; especially, the mathematical analysis of the flow of information in such systems.
But is that really all there is to it? Cybernetics offers humanity the chance to hold the reins, to evolve of its own accord. But why should we do this? Well there are many reasons for this. I remember watching some time ago on the discovery channel a program about the future of space travel. It highlighted important issues such as the effects on the body whilst in space and how in the long-term exposure would prove fatal. Radiation, bone disease, cancer. There was a lot of talk on the program about changing our physical form, adapting it for long term exposure to the riggers of long term space travel. But evolution is not limited to the physical form. Think about the evolution of communication. What if we could communicate to others across the world directly through our minds? A network of brains. Now Im not talking about turning humans into the Borg. What I am talking about is creating a global society, like those which exist on the internet except on a much bigger scale. Such an advance would bring the world so much closer together; the implications of such a discovery are far reaching. Think about the ability to transfer thoughts and feelings, to be long to a global society of linked minds. Of course youre going to need to buy a firewall with that brain enhancement!
What I have mentioned so far are but two possible outcomes of research into cybernetics. But what else can it offer? Well by the very nature of study, cybernetics will offer us greater understanding of how organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, etc work. With that knowledge we could create better, stronger more durable organs, organs unaffected by disease. I dont think I have to spell out the implications of such developments. In the foreseeable future cybernetics will certainly improve interaction and communication with computers. Research conducted at Brown University in Providence, R.I. allowed a man to move a mouse cursor on a screen using his mind. Just think about the implications of further development of such technology. No more keyboards (Thank god for that! After 10 years I still cant touch type!). You can go here for a more detailed report on it. Such technology could help paralysed people to walk again; using artificial limbs and brain implants.
So whats a cyborg? Well we already are a race of cyborgs. We use technology to aid our deficiencies. For example the walking stick is used to aid a poor leg just as glasses are used to improve problems with eyesight. In a sense, using the Internet makes us cyborg. Im using a forum as an alternate means of interacting with a society. It is a different method of communication.
The leading authority on cybernetics is a Brit called Kevin Warwick. He has pioneered research in the field. He has had two operations to implant devices into his body. The first was a small chip that would send a signal to the department computer every time he entered the building. This triggered lights and a computer greeting. The second operation was to implant a device for recording information from the median nerve fibres in his arm. This was later tested, allowing a robotic arm to mimic Kevins movements as information was passed from the implant to the robotic arm. For more information go here.
Before this discussion kicks off I would like to lay down a few ground rules.
This discussion is for the scientific types on this forum so I dont want to see people banging on about the blasphemous nature of altering Gods creation. However I welcome views on the potential problems that may arise from such technology.
Please post any sources of information you have found. Share the knowledge!
I am not a moderator; as such I cannot in anyway enforce these rules so I am going to rely on the old-fashioned honour system.
Lets adapt.
