Stephen Hawking predicted the future of mankind

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Stephen Hawking predicted that genetic modification could lead to the creation of superhumans, posing a potential threat to humanity. His essays, published in the Sunday Times, serve as a precursor to an upcoming book. The discussions highlight ethical concerns regarding the definition of "defective" genes and the implications of gene therapy, particularly in relation to traits such as intelligence and physical appearance. The conversation reflects on the societal ramifications of genetic engineering and the moral dilemmas it presents.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of genetic modification techniques
  • Familiarity with ethical implications of gene therapy
  • Knowledge of Stephen Hawking's contributions to science
  • Awareness of societal impacts of biotechnology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the ethical frameworks surrounding genetic engineering
  • Explore advancements in gene therapy for conditions like cystic fibrosis
  • Study the implications of CRISPR technology on human genetics
  • Investigate public perceptions of genetic modification and its societal effects
USEFUL FOR

Ethicists, geneticists, sociologists, and anyone interested in the future of biotechnology and its implications for humanity.

Hawkingo
Messages
56
Reaction score
2
Well known scientist professor Stephen Hawking had predicted the possibility that genetic modification can give birth to superhumans that could destroy the rest of humanity. The essays, published in the Sunday Times, were written in preparation for a book that will be published on Tuesday. Read the full article below
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.amp...edicted-new-race-of-superhumans-essays-reveal
 
Biology news on Phys.org
As a theoretical physicist, Hawking had few peers but as a sociologist/technologist predicting the future of mankind, not so much.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman and russ_watters
Hawkingo said:
Well known scientist professor Stephen Hawking had predicted the possibility that genetic modification can give birth to superhumans that could destroy the rest of humanity. The essays, published in the Sunday Times, were written in preparation for a book that will be published on Tuesday. Read the full article below
https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/14/stephen-hawking-predicted-new-race-of-superhumans-essays-reveal?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1#amp_tf=From %1$s&ampshare=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/oct/14/stephen-hawking-predicted-new-race-of-superhumans-essays-reveal

Not a nice though to someone with asthma, average height/build and “normal” IQ

You can potentially splice out “defective” genes/ potentially disease causing genes but someone needs to decide what is and what is not defective.

IQ lower than 115? Males under 6 foot Tall? Person not beautiful? Face not symmetric enough? Cannot bench 2x body weight?

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (link) is no one would argue with “defects” such “not attractive” make me clench a little and reminds of ideologies past.



https://www.nhs.uk/news/genetics-and-stem-cells/gene-therapy-breakthrough-for-cystic-fibrosis/



Reminds of the below- pretty sure I have quoted this before so perhaps a similar topic has come up?



I am a clone, I am not alone
Every fibre of my flesh and bone
Is identical to the others
Everything I say is in the same tone
As my test tube brother's voice
There is no choice between us,
If you had ever seen us,
You'd rejoice in your uniqueness
And consider every weakness
Something special of your ownBeing a clone, I have no flaws to identify
Even this doggerel that pours from my pen,
Has just been written by
Oh, another twenty telepathic men,
Word for word, it says:
"Oh, for the wings of any bird,
Other than a battery hen."