Superhuman Enhancements via Implants: Beyond the Human Mind

• Main Author: Kevin Warwick
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Philosophies
• Subjects: human–machine interaction; implants; upgrading humans; superhumans; brain–computer interface
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9287/5/3/14

In this article, a practical look is taken at some of the possible enhancements for humans through the use of implants, particularly into the brain or nervous system. Some cognitive enhancements may not turn out to be practically useful, whereas others may turn out to be mere steps on the way to the construction of superhumans. The emphasis here is the focus on enhancements that take such recipients beyond the human norm rather than any implantations employed merely for therapy. This is divided into what we know has already been tried and tested and what remains at this time as more speculative. Five examples from the author’s own experimentation are described. Each case is looked at in detail, from the inside, to give a unique personal experience. The premise is that humans are essentially their brains and that bodies serve as interfaces between brains and the environment. The possibility of building an Interplanetary Creature, having an intelligence and possibly a consciousness of its own, is also considered.