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Timeline 2015 : An endangered human species

March 18 2008 / by Antonio Manfredi
Category: Biotechnology   Year: 2015   Rating: 9

With the coming of the gene age, should the human species in its natural state be protected like other endangered species?

We now live in an era where profound genetic manipulation is a fact of life. Assuming genetic manipulation is here to stay I offer several thought provoking questions.

Should human beings be allowed to live in a natural state, and should they be protected much like we protect other species?

If we do choose to protect natural humans with dignity (ie not as a slave race)to what end should be dedicate resources, rights, and privileges?

Should non-engineered humans enjoy the same rights as engineered humans?

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Comment Thread (2 Responses)

  1. LOL—I suspect the reason I find this post so funny (in addition to the writer’s wit) is because it’s actually a very serious rapidly approaching issue.

    So, what will become of humans who choose not to evolve or follow the transhuman path? History and the game of life has not been kind to such species in the past. Fortunately old-school humans, just like other animal species, possess inherent information value in their DNA and behavior. This makes all of us a valuable commodity up until the point we can be exactly reproduced in a digital format. In other words, it will behoove transhuman singularity beings to “garden” the regulars, perhaps offering them a matrix-esque simulation bliss as a thank you.

    Another way to look at it is that it’s very natural that the human species is diversifying and that, on the whole, it should be viewed as a network with diverse members who play different roles and achieve an optimal symbiosis. Perhaps the challenges of the future will require a hybrid or fractured humanity, rather than a super-humanity achieved strictly by augmentation.

    Posted by: Alvis Brigis   March 19, 2008
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  2. This post reminded me of a novella I read online: After Life

    Posted by: gremlinn   March 20, 2008
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