The Future of Digitally Assisted Human Performance
The Future of Digitally Assisted Human Performance: Technotherapeutics and Enhancement
When asked to ponder on the future of how human beings will harness the power of technology, almost inevitably human enhancement and the rise of the cyborg have long entered discussion. More recently however digitally assisted human performance has been linked to biotechnology and to a relatively new field known as technotherapeutics. The emphasis in the context of humans today, seems to be on health and wellbeing as opposed to the amplification of bodily functions, notwithstanding occasional references to the possibilities of brain-to-computer interfaces. This emphasis may well be related to the importance of sustainability for the planet and its inhabitants. The DARPA ADAPTER program is one example where human enhancement has not only been downplayed but negated altogether from dialogue. Program leaders emphasise that the implantable device for therapeutic application has nothing to do with human enhancement. This talk will address the ethical legal social implications of particular therapeutic devices in the context of US warfighters with scope to extend the discussion towards the commercialisation of cybertherapies to a consumer market. Is it so far-fetched to consider that one day drugs will be delivered in-vivo through hub devices tethered to smartphone programmers, releasing drugs into the body based on need? A candid discussion about a topic that is surely divisive- to implant or not- will follow, demonstrating the blurry line between technotherapeutics and enhancement.
Mandatory Reading
https://www.katinamichael.com/research/2021/7/25/darpas-adapter-program
https://www.katinamichael.com/opinion/2017/5/8/socio-ethical-implications-of-implantable-technologies-in-the-military-sector
Optional Reading
https://www.katinamichael.com/seminars/2020/12/4/neuralink-and-synchron-a-hackers-perspective
https://www.katinamichael.com/research/2021/1/1/assistive-technologies-for-people-living-with-mndals
https://www.katinamichael.com/public-speaking/2019/3/25/tedxasu-brain-implants-hope-or-hype
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnghvVR5Evc
-
The Emergence of Technotherapeutics
-
Human Enhancement (Physical and Cognitive)
-
Going beyond emerging technologies for warfighters toward "civilian" applications for enhancement
-
20 min talk, 20 min Q&A
Instructions for Speakers:
Your first several slides should answer the following questions:
§ What is the problem you are working on or what is the big idea you are formulating?
§ Why is it important?
§ What is the solution you are proposing?
§ What will it mean to our members; what are the implications in the short and long term?
§ What do you predict/expect will happen?
§ Expect to be interrupted with questions during your talk, not only during the Q&A that follows it (note that your talk and Q&A must fit into your agenda timeslot).
Citation: Katina Michael, December 8, 2021, “The Future of Digitally Assisted Human Performance”, TTI Vanguard, https://www.ttivanguard.com/TTI-VANGUARD/next-2021