The Concept and Debate of Transhumanism

The Concept and Debate of Transhumanism Faiza Hossain Introduction: As human beings, we are obsessed with progressing and improving ourselves. Whether it be physically or mentally, this idea of being better is apparent. [DS1]Transhumanism is an extreme form of improving oneself[DS2].   Whether it be being induced with artificial blood, or inserting a microchip into the brain, transhumanism is about making the ordinary, extraordinary! But, is it ethically right and beneficial to test on humans? Should we be messing around with the natural creation of our bodies? And can transhumanism be a danger to society? These major ethical questions will be answered in this research paper, where the core value of what a transhuman is, will be exposed[DS3]. Is transhumanism really beneficial and ethical for human beings? The definition of Transhumanism is the belief or theory that the human race can advance beyond its present physical and mental limitations, especially by the use of science and technology. We are living in generation, where technology is rapidly evolving and improving. This advancement of technology has benefited people, especially in the transhumanist area. This can be portrayed by the living example of Jesse Sullivan; who is titled as the worlds first Bionic Man1. Sullivan lost his arm in an accident however, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, gave him the opportunity to replace his arms with robotic prosthetics. The procedure included connecting his nervous system to the robotic arm, allowing him to lift objects by the power of thought. This procedure proves that the marriage of technology and biological components is possible, and really is beneficial to mankind. An arm cant be grown, but technology has given individuals a second chance and an opportunity to have a better quality of life. Another way in which machinery has positively changed a persons life is the story of a stroke patient who trialled the BrainGate2 System. A brain-computer interface used a 4mm-wide chip1, which was implanted in the brain. The significance of this chip was the ability to read signals from neurons which were in charge of motion controlling (e.g., the movement of muscles) and interpret the signals, using a computer, into the physical movement of, such as, a robotic arm and hand. After five years, the chip is still fully working, and the patient is able to carry out daily tasks, which we take granted for, such as raising a cup of coffee to her mouth. This astonishing piece of technology has also given this patient a better quality of life, and furthermore, proves that the study of transhumanism is vital, to help those who need it. Although a robotic arm may be perceived as artificial, and unnatural, technology is allowing people to be happier, even after a traumatic event. The future of transhumanism includes the invention of artificial blood, which improves your stamina. Having a microchip inside your brain, which allows you to communicate telepathically, and being able to become smarter, passively, by storing information into this chip. The possibilities to the way the study of transhumanism can benefit us, is endless. Is human testing, justifiable? When it comes to the study of transhumanism, a controversial question always arises; should scientist be allowed to test on human subjects? This concern is portrayed by numerous people (such as religious followers), and what some people claim, is holding scientists and technology back, from rapidly progressing[DS4].   Research involving human subjects is not intrinsically ethically dubious. Human testing does have ethical concerns, however, these concerns can be met and eased out. There is a huge importance for human testing as it will create a huge improvement in the quality of lives and number of lives saved through such research 3, and this can be seen from earlier examples of patients receiving robotic arms. Human testing is vital for the progression of the future. When conducting experiments on human test subjects, it is essential that the experiment is carried out ethically. This includes asking the participants permission, fully explaining what the procedure will be, making necessary medical check-ups, and making sure he/she will be safe. Furthermore, external judgement is used to measure the safety of the experiment, and in this case, the Research ethics committees (RECs) are widely used to assess and review trial designs.4 The importance of these committees is to overview, and evaluate the practices the researcher will conduct on the participant. The committee include both professional and lay perspectives as to whether the research is ethically acceptable. This portrays that a lot of extensive background checks are carried out, and the safety of the participant is a priority[DS5]. PRECAUTIONARY VS PROACTIVE RESEARCH Scientists, especially those in the transhumanism field, are aware of the cautionary and proactive research. We should not reject the products of applied science; neither should we implement powerful new technologies without foresight and proactive preparation.   (www.extropy.org)5. Being a proactive researcher, is about taking risks, but doing it for the benefit of making progress in technology. Relying on the evidence from past experiments, and written text books, will not help transhumanism evolve into what it can be fully capable of. Making the robotic arms, was a proactive choice made by scientists, and now, people are reeking the benefits from this. Imagine, what more we can unveil, if scientists keep making this proactive choice. An alternative response for research is known as the precautionary principle. The precautionary principle, proposed as a new guideline in environmental decision making6, has four main mechanisms: taking actions to prevent any uncertainties; shifting the burden of proof to the proponents of an activity; finding lots of alternative routes to possibly harmful actions, and getting more public participation in decision making before and during research. The precautionary principle highlights this tight, challenging linkage between science and policy.6 Although precautionary research is much safer for the participant, the problem with the unwillingness to take risks, means progress is made slower in the technology field. This slows down our advancement for a better future and means people who need these revolutionary machinery in their day to day life (such as robotic legs and arms), have to wait longer[DS6]. THE NEGATIVES ABOUT TRANSHUMANISM       The main problem with the idea of transhumanism that many face, is if technology is being exploited for our selfish desires? The idea of wanting to live longer, or be smarter   and stronger, are selfish desires that people want to achieve, and some perceive as unnatural. As all living things are mortal, the study of transhumanism, is fascinating; a topic in transhumanism includes finding ways to cheat death. Being immortal sounds amazing, but is it realistic? If everyone in this world was immortal, then there will be over population7, food shortages, increased global warming and negative climate change. Furthermore, due to overpopulation, there may be a rapid spread of disease, water may run out and fossil fuel will be used up a lot quicker. The world we live in, cannot provide for the immortal. Transhumanist are optimist that through their technological findings, they can help third world countries such as India, by -skipping industrialization and go straight into late capitalist, post- industrial societies (Munkittrick). However, from the extremely high pollution levels seen by third world countries such as India and Brazil, this transition is not at smooth, and if anything, is more damaging to the earth. The concept of skipping industrialization, for these third world countries, seems very unrealistic, and nothing but a utopian view. One last negative attitude towards transhumanism, is that it will create a segregation between societies. It is evident, that when technology that can make you smarter or live longer is achieved, the privileged few will be able to have accesses to these traits, which will create and further distance between people; based on their wealth. Although transhumanism will allow us to benefit traits which will benefit us in the future, it is also possible that there will be more inequality between people and also, earth is not equipped to allow living space for immortal living species. MY METHODOLOGY My report is solely based off secondary research. I have been able to carry out secondary research by reading and actively unpicking online journals and articles (based on transhumanism), visit official which profession transhumanist have written papers and pieces based on this topic. Furthermore, the use of critiquing text was used, and looking at real life examples of cyborgs was evident. As my research only consisted of secondary data, this meant that a research budget was not necessary, as I [DS7]was not required to do any primary research. TRANSHUMANISMà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦A BETTER FUTURE? In conclusion, clearly the study of transhumanism has benefited people in this century. Technology is rapidly evolving and it is fitting the needs of people, whether that be the likes of a robotic arm. Transhumanism is breaking the boundary of people with disabilities, and in this context, closing the inequality gap that many disabled people feel[DS8]. However, if this research is mistreated, many people will get severely hurt, and it can totally flip, and instead, creates a larger inequality between people[DS9]. The future of transhumanism is looking bright, and with technology progressing this far, cures for diseases can be found much quicker, and ground breaking technology, can be used to help third world countries. It is the optimism of the people and scientist, which is needed, if we are to make the future a better place. I truly believe there is a place for transhumanism and cyborgs in the future, but it is up to us to be open minded for this change. REFERENCES[DS10] JESSE SULLIVAN Lanxon, Nate. Practical Transhumanism: Five Living Cyborgs. WIRED UK. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Sept. 2016. Transhumanist Values. Nickbostrom.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Sept. 2016. Theconversation.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. Gorski, David. Theconversation.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. 5. Transhumanisms Extropy Institute Transhumanism For A Better Future. Extropy.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. 6. D Kriebel, M Stoto. The Precautionary Principle In Environmental Science.. Environmental Health Perspectives 109.9 (2001): 871. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. 7. The Problems With Transhumanism. Psychology Today. N.p., 2016. Web. 7 Sept. 2016. [DS1]This is very bold statement. In the future, try to find any research that can support this claim. [DS2]This another example where you should use a reference to support the statement. [DS3]A lot of assumption were made in this paragraph. It will be a good practise in the future to the use a reference to support what you are saying. [DS4]Reference? [DS5]Good demonstration of ethical understanding, but the referencing format used was not Harvard referencing. [DS6]Good points laid out in this section. [DS7]Avoiding writing academic report in first person, always write them in third person. [DS8]The context of this statement is not clear. [DS9]Which research, in what way will it flip, and what source do you have to support this statement? [DS10]The format used is not Harvard referencing.

Was Ho Chi Minh More of a Nationalist Than a Communist?

Was Ho Chi Minh more of a nationalist than a communist? Most people in America firmly believe that Ho Chi Minh was a communist first and foremost. The public was inundated with stories of his visits to Russia and China. We heard repeatedly how his support from communist countries was being used to take over and create a communist stronghold in South East Asia. What we didn’t hear was the rest of the story. The Vietminh under Minh’s leadership had an alliance of sorts with the U. S. during WWII. The common enemy, the Japanese provided a sort of strange bedfellows situation where the communists supported the ouster of another foreign invader. After the war, the Vietminh set up governmental structures in the country assuming Vietnam would return to a sovereign state. Minh himself made repeated overtures to the U. S. and other countries for support in his quest of independence (Young, 1991. p 14). Even the Vietnam declaration of independence signaled Minh’s nationalistic view (Gettleman, et al, p 26). As a pragmatist, Minh realized that the U. S. as not going to support his independence so he turned towards Russia and China for support. Minh walked a fine line with these countries to keep his supply line open without losing his independence. Some say that ability showed his true skills as a diplomat (Obituary, 1969). On the flip side of the equation, Minh was a true and through communist. He lived and breathed the communist ideals and was ruthless in achieving them. It h as been said that he was a great contradiction. Ho Chi Minh was known as the great communist leader while at the same time ultimate nationalist (Ho Chi Minh, 2006). References Gettleman, M, Franklin, J, Young, M. & Franklin, B. (1995). Vietnam and America. Grove Press, New York, N. Y. Ho Chi Minh: North Vietnamese Leader (2006). Retrieved from http://www. historynet. com/ho-chi-minh-north-vietnam-leader. htm Ho Chi Minh Was Noted for Success in Blending Nationalism and Communism (Obituary) (1969. Retrieved from www. nytimes. com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/0519. html Young, M. (1991). The Vietnam Wars: 1945=1990. Harper Collins Publishers, New York N. Y.

Importance of Art in Our Life

It is usual human nature to admire beauty around us, such as we are often awe-struck when we see a painting, or read a beautiful poem, or listen to soothing music! Art is everywhere around us in many forms and holds a significant value in our lives. It is difficult to describe â€Å"Art† in literal terms, but broadly it is understood to be a form to express one’s feelings through any object or medium like paper, music, colours, technology, magic, photography etc. It could be abstract, realistic, naturalistic, conceptual, and inspirational.It is agreeable that we are surrounded by Art and also rely on it in our daily routine. When we enter someone’s home, it is difficult to stop ourselves to appreciate the way the living room is decorated. You would find rhythm and harmony in the way furniture are placed; photographs adorn a wall, paintings hung above the sofa or any particular artefact placed in a corner or centre piece on a coffee table etc. This is also art, on e doesn’t have to be a painter to be an artist, how an individual expresses him/herself, uses imagination and creative energy to embellish and decorate the surrounding.Arts have many forms — visual and performing arts are the ones that could be related easily. Visual arts broadly comprise of paintings, drawing, clay modelling, architecture, photography etc. and performing arts include dance, music, opera, theatre, magic, spoken words, circus art and musical theatre. It is inter-related with Entertainment. When you make people enjoy, laugh, cry, and angry by your performance, that is the art of entertaining. There is a big world of Entertainment and almost all of us find solace watching their work.Music has a great impact on our mood; it makes us joyful and relaxes us and keeps the energy on. Not only music, but also movies, plays and theatre also makes us active. This reveals how much we are hemmed in by Arts and Entertainment. It could be concluded that importance of Arts in our lives is very similar to entertainment. Now-a-days Art and Craft Education are encouraged at schools for children as it provides a platform for the young ones to express and explore their imagination. It could be very inspirational as well.

Information and Facts About Elephant Babies

Elephants are interesting animals. Their size is awesome, and their strength is incredible. They are intelligent and affectionate beings. Amazingly, even with their large size, they can walk silently. You might not even notice them passing by! Fast Facts: Baby Elephants Gestation period: 18 - 22 monthsBirth weight: about 250 poundsHeight: about 3 feet tallAbout 99% of calves are born at nightCalves are born with curly black or red hair on their foreheadsCalves drink about 3 gallons of milk a day Facts About Baby Elephants A baby elephant is called a calf. It weighs about 250 pounds at birth and stands about three feet tall. Calves cant see very well at first, but they can recognize their mothers by touch, scent, and sound. Baby elephants stay very close to their mothers for the first couple of months. The calves drink their mothers milk for about two years, sometimes longer. They drink up to 3 gallons of milk a day!  At about four months old, they also begin eating some plants, like adult elephants, but they continue to need as much milk from their mother. They keep drinking milk for up to ten years! At first, baby elephants dont really know what to do with their trunks. They swing them to and fro and sometimes even step on them. They will suck their trunk just as a human baby might suck its thumb. By about 6 to 8 months, calves begin learning to use their trunks to eat and drink. By the time they are a year old, they can control their trunks pretty well and, like adult elephants,  use their trunks for grasping,  eating, drinking, bathing. Female elephants stay with the herd for life, while males leave to begin a solitary life  at about 12 to 14 years of age. Elephant Babies Coloring Page (Print the PDF): Color this picture while you review the facts youve learned.   Species of Elephants For many years scientists thought that there were two different species of elephants:  Asian elephants and African elephants. However, in 2000, they began classifying African elephants into two distinct species, the African savanna  elephant and the African forest elephant. Elephant Vocabulary Worksheet (Print the PDF): Discover more about elephants by  with this vocabulary worksheet. Look up each word in a dictionary or online. Then, write the correct word on the blank line beside each definition. Elephant Word Search (Print the PDF): See how well you remember what you learned about elephants. Circle each word as you find it hidden among the letters in the word search. Refer to the worksheet for any terms whose meaning you dont remember.   African savanna  elephants live in the area of Africa below the Sahara desert. African forest elephants live in the rain forests of Central and West Africa.  The elephants that live in the African forest have smaller bodies and tusks than those that live on the savannas. Asian elephants live in the scrub and rain forests of Southwest Asia, India, and Nepal. Elephant Habitat Coloring Page (Print the PDF):  Review what youve learned about elephant Habitats. Distinguishing Between Asian and African Elephants There are many similarities between Asian and African elephants, but there are simple ways to distinguish one from the other. African elephants have much larger ears that seem to be shaped like the continent of Africa. They need large ears to cool off their bodies on the hot continent of Africa. Asian elephants ears are smaller and more rounded. African Elephant Coloring Page (Print the PDF) There is also a distinct difference in the shape of Asian and African elephants heads. Asian elephants heads are smaller than an African elephants head and have a double-dome shape. Both male and female African elephants can grow tusks, though not all do. Only male Asian elephants grow tusks. Asian Elephant Coloring Page (Print the PDF) The Asian elephant is smaller than the African elephant. Asian elephants live in jungle habitats. Its entirely different than the deserts of Africa. Water and vegetation are more plentiful in the jungle. So Asian elephants do not need wrinkled skin to trap moisture or large ears to fan their bodies. Even the trunks of Asian and African elephants are different. African elephants have two finger-like growths on the tip of their trunks; Asian elephants only have one. Elephant Family Coloring Page (Print the PDF): Do you think you can tell African and Asian elephants apart? Are these African elephants or Asian elephants? What are the identifying features? Elephant Diet Coloring Page (Print the PDF): All elephants are plant  eaters (herbivores). Adult elephants eat about 300 pounds of food a day. It takes a long time to find and eat 300 pounds of food. They spend 16 to 20 hours a day eating! Updated by Kris Bales