Of Cyborgs and Chimeras: Our Future With Emerging Technologies

This dissertation is an interdisciplinary exploration of the sociological, ethical, and philosophical implications of emerging technologies, with a special focus on biomedical engineering, more specifically neuro-interventions. I explore various technologies from algorithms, AI, and augmented/virtual reality to service robotics and neuroprosthetics in terms of research and application. On both these levels, the distinction between therapeutic and nontherapeutic (cosmetic) uses of technologies is discussed in detail, which situates my discussion in existing scholarship on human enhancement and bioengineering (e.g., gene editing). Combining an overview of the history of cybernetics with explorations of consciousness theories and personhood (particularly in the context of brain-computer interfaces) allows me to build a larger philosophical argument about the relationship of humankind and enhancement technologies: human exceptionalism is a barrier to all flourishing and a solarpunk-inspired approach to neuroethics may be the solution. My claim is that the human condition needs to be expanded and upgraded into the sentient condition, which, by promoting a compassionate and respectful approach to all sentient beings and their potential, encourages a reconciliation among humans, nature, and technology and leads to a better and sustainable future.

Name thesis:degree_name

Medical Humanities (Doctoral)

Grantor

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Permar, Rebecca Marvi

• Literature, General
• Philosophy

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2152.3/12687

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:utmb-ir.tdl.org:2152.3/12687