“A New Way to Be Human”

James van der Pool explores in the BBC News online article “Introducing humans version 2.0” (found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6076860.stm), posted on October 24, 2006, the ramifications of computers with equal or greater intelligence than a human.

Neuroscientists have been making headway in creating computers to perform functions of the human brain. Using silicon implants on the brain connected to a computer, external mechanisms can be controlled by the simple act of thought. Researchers started with tests on animals. John Chapin of the State University of New York placed electrodes on a rat’s brain so that he could use radio signals to control the rat’s whiskers. Duke University’s Miguel Nicolelis has connected the brains of monkeys to computers so that the monkeys can control robotic arms just by thinking about it. Human brains have also been tested. Connecting the brain of a mute paralyzed man to a computer, scientists are slowly training the computer to read the man’s brain activity, translating his thought of speech into computer-generated sounds. In another study, another paralyzed man was outfitted with a brain implant that allowed him to actually move objects using his thoughts.

The neuroscientists that are on the forefront of these “artificial intellects” are branching into a field of great ethical debate. Many experts predict that as computer power continues to grow, a computer may soon reach the intelligence level of human beings. Chapin wants his “remote control rat” to help him understand how each part of the brain works and what each part operates. Other than attempting to better understand how the brain functions, other scientists feel a nobler and more social purpose arises from artificial intellects. Nicolelis believes that, with this technology, “the brain is finally freed from the body and it can act upon the world directly.” Downloading our thoughts to computer, improving existing intelligence, and mind-control with silicon implants gives scientists the opportunity to forcibly control other humans and the ability to create a new species, in essence. In creating machines that hold the ability to exceed our own intelligence, scientists must be ready to deal with issues such as man’s immortality, playing God, and a world where humans could be repressed by beings greater than themselves.

Hugo de Garis, who has contributed to developing machines who can gradually improve their intelligence, fears that the advent of artificial intellects would create a world reminiscent to George Orwell’s “1984.” I cannot help but think the same. Scientists must be aware of the danger of letting this technology get out of hand or get into the wrong pair of hands. While, computer-enhanced intelligence can benefit those who need assistance, such as paralytic victims, allowing computer intellect to supersede our own may have disastrous results. Such machines will then be out of our control and exist outside of our understanding. Becoming the inferior beings of Earth may be a shock to the human race’s system that we may not take. Man may me immortal, but such a trait will come at a great price of oppression.