Technologically Enhanced Humanity

Orono- On Friday, March 26th in 140 Bennett Hall, students and staff alike met to discuss Technologically Enhanced Humanity. Thoughts were provoked, issues touched upon, and yet solid answers about hypothetical problems were hard to come by.
The lecture was led by Charles T. Rubin (PHD, Political Science) who talked about both sides of the issue stating: "We do what we do and the way we do it because of the advances in modern science." Many points were raised during the lecture, one of them being how for centuries there has been a "bargain" between Science and Technology on one hand and Politics and Society on the other. The bargain being investigations in natural science is left free to the few who desire to pursue it.
One issue that would would be of serious magnitude if the transhuman ideals are met is where would the line between Gene Therapy and Gene Enhancement. If we are able to repair damaged genes that would eliminate diseases, what would the difference between doing this and modifying genes to become superior. Where would we determine the difference? Mr. Rubin then said: "At a basic level the power to heal a sick human being overlaps with the power to enhance"
During the lecture the ideology of transhumanist was discussed and analyzed, allowing us to see the difference between gradual advances in society and human genetics, and the extreme advancements that transhumanist aim for.
A variety of issues come to mind when thinking about e genetically enhanced human race, one of them being: "How could there be equality when some people might have a considerable genetic advantage." If the capacities of the Human body are pushed, how far can we push them?
One thought of the transhumans is that we humans are "Meat Machines," and if we are already machines, why not enhance and modify this machine to become faster, stronger, more productive and push the boundaries of nature we once thought were unbreakable. As for the fallout of such technology? The answer given by many transhumanist: "We will cross that bridge when we come to it."