Yu JieTue, Apr 8, 2008 Any access to new technology that is not free with undoubtedly create a schism between those who can have it and those who cannot, although defining each as a separate species may be going too far.
In regards to semantic search, I hope that it will develop as a free technology as something like that deserves to be shared with the rest of the population as something accessible.
With the contact lenses however, such a situation where two groups emerge will probably occur if the technology is sound and useful enough. Right now, I do not see much use for it outside of specialized jobs; the layman does not need such technology in their daily lives, rather, it might hinder them. If it does become more useful and crucial for everybody to use, then this disparity will occur as people decide under what criteria such technologies should be distributed and how.
Of course, this might turn into the next iPod, where a culture arises that separates those who use it and those who don't.
That, I believe, is one of the major ideas against transhumanism and enhancement in general; how does one decide who gets it? Money? Prestige and social class? Usefulness?
Any access to new technology that is not free with undoubtedly create a schism between those who can have it and those who cannot, although defining each as a separate species may be going too far.
In regards to semantic search, I hope that it will develop as a free technology as something like that deserves to be shared with the rest of the population as something accessible.
With the contact lenses however, such a situation where two groups emerge will probably occur if the technology is sound and useful enough. Right now, I do not see much use for it outside of specialized jobs; the layman does not need such technology in their daily lives, rather, it might hinder them. If it does become more useful and crucial for everybody to use, then this disparity will occur as people decide under what criteria such technologies should be distributed and how.
Of course, this might turn into the next iPod, where a culture arises that separates those who use it and those who don't.
That, I believe, is one of the major ideas against transhumanism and enhancement in general; how does one decide who gets it? Money? Prestige and social class? Usefulness?
A very intriguing discussion by any means.