The next brave new world: Super-humans

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential advancements in human augmentation technologies, particularly those being explored by military organizations like DARPA. Topics include mind-machine interfaces, memory storage on microchips, and physical enhancements through exoskeletons. The implications of these technologies on military applications and ethical considerations are also touched upon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss the revolutionary military implications of technologies that could allow pilots to control aircraft with their thoughts and soldiers to communicate telepathically.
  • There is mention of DARPA's research into implantable microchips for storing human memories, which could potentially eliminate traditional training methods.
  • One participant highlights the significant investment in nano technologies, including concepts like invisible suits.
  • Concerns are raised about the risks associated with technologies that alter mental functions, suggesting a cautious approach to their implementation.
  • A humorous remark questions whether such technologies could make individuals smarter, reflecting skepticism about their effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of enthusiasm for the potential advancements and caution regarding the implications of mind-altering technologies. There is no consensus on the safety or desirability of these technologies.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of the technologies discussed, the uncertainty surrounding their practical applications, and the ethical considerations that remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in military technology, human augmentation, ethical implications of advanced technologies, and speculative future developments in science and engineering.

Ivan Seeking
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... The military implications are also numerous and revolutionary. Imagine, for example, pilots who could fly high-performance fighter aircraft from the ground using only their thoughts, or soldiers who could communicate with one another telepathically, downloading the latest tactical intelligence directly into their brains. Researchers in other parts of the program are even testing the viability of storing human memories on implantable microchips, a Matrix-like advance that would eliminate the need for training by allowing soldiers to upload someone else's technical know-how or combat experience. Without question, such radical advances are still decades away (at the very least). But DARPA's research is already challenging contemporary notions of what is possible.


Even as some programs concentrate on strengthening the mind, others are focusing on the body. One such DARPA effort - Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation - could transform today's infantry "grunts" into high-tech supersoldiers similar to those imagined by Robert Heinlein's 1959 science-fiction classic Starship Troopers. [continued]
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1103/111003nj1.htm
 
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i have read that the US is spending millions towards nano technologies such as invisible suits and the likes
woot!
 
Any technology that messes with minds... I would wait for a while before even trying it out, to make sure that it doesn't... you know.
 
moose said:
Any technology that messes with minds... I would wait for a while before even trying it out, to make sure that it doesn't... you know.

Make you smart?