Conserving Humanity at the Dawn of Posthuman Technology

This volume examines the latest scientific and technological developments likely to shape our post-human future. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the author argues that we stand at the precipice of an evolutionary change caused by genetic engineering and anatomically embedded digital and informational technologies. The author delves into current scientific initiatives that will lead to the emergence of super smart individuals with unique creative capacities. He draws on technology, psychology and philosophy to consider humans-as-they-are relative to autonomy, creativity, and their place in a future shared with 'post humans.' The author discusses the current state of bioethics and technology law, both which policymakers, beset by a torrent of revolutionary advances in bioengineering, are attempting to steer. Significantly, Carvalko addresses why we must both preserve the narratives that brought us to this moment and continue to express our humanity through, music, art, andliterature, to ensure that, as a uniquely creative species, we don't simply vanish in the ether of an evolution brought about by our own technology.

Explores the influence advancing technology might have on our understanding of innovation, artistry, and the meaning of human existence Outlines future directions of posthuman technological development and the ethical issues surrounding that development Considers the social responsibility of technologists to actively address the ethical and moral questions related to their field

Autorentext
Joseph R. Carvalko Jr. is an American technologist, academic, patent lawyer, and writer. As an inventor and engineer, he has been awarded sixteen U.S. patents in various fields. He has authored academic books, articles, and fiction throughout his career. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University, School of Law, teaching Law, Science and Technology; Chairman, Technology and Ethics Working Research Group, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, Yale University; member, IEEE, Society on Social Implications of Technology; summer faculty member, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, Yale University.

Inhalt

1. Introduction Part I: Terminology of Posthuman Forms.- 2. A Map of Possible Futures and What Forms They Take.- 3. Creativity: What do we mean?.- PART II: The Case for a Posthuman Future.- 4. Technology: Opportunities and Challenges.- 5. Inventing our way into the Future.- 6. Machines, Processes and Models.- 7. Embedded and Converging Technologies.- Part III: Creativity and Cognition.- 8. Evaluating Intelligence.- 9. Creativity Theories.- 10. Artifical Intelligence.- Part IV: The Ethical Questions: Who Speaks for New Forms of Life?.- 11. Creativity Instantiated - Who Owns What?.- 12. Conclusion.