The convergence of CRISPR, AI, and synthetic biology is rapidly transforming our understanding of human biology and paving the way for a new era of human enhancement. These powerful technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, enable us to overcome biological limitations, and even transform our very conception of what it means to be human.
The term “new human” refers to people who have been altered in some way, either for medical purposes or potentially for future enhancement.
The Science of New Humans
On Monday, the President and Founder of GZERO Media, Ian Bremmer, discussed with a physician and biologist, Siddhartha Mukherjee, the science of new humans, the ethical implications and as well as the risk involved in tampering with the natural being of humans as we know it.
“The idea of the human is changing. […] CRISPR, synthetic biology, prosthetic biology with AI, and cloning of individuals—that’s what I mean by the new human,” Mukherjee said.
The science of human enhancement is still in its early stages, but these technologies have the potential to profoundly impact our lives. CRISPR gene-editing, AI-powered prosthetics, and brain implants could help treat movement disorders and depression.
According to the report, the technologies could also improve our understanding of the human body, leading to a future of new medicines and treatments for fatal diseases. They can also be harnessed to expand the cognitive capabilities of humans and even help establish communication with deceased loved ones.
Potential Dangers of Human Alteration
However, there are also significant risks associated with human enhancement. Unintended consequences of gene editing, the misuse of AI, and the creation of dangerous new organisms are just a few of the potential dangers.
Human enhancement also raises profound questions about the very definition of humanity. If we can deliberately alter our biology to enhance our capacities, what then does it mean to be human? Where do we draw the line between therapy, enhancement, and unnatural manipulation? These questions challenge our assumptions about human nature and our place in the world.
Moreover, the pursuit of human enhancement could lead to a focus on individual optimization, potentially diminishing the value of human diversity and the appreciation for our inherent limitations. By striving to become “perfect” or “enhanced,” we may risk losing sight of what makes us uniquely human and the importance of embracing our natural state.
