Seventeenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

The convergence between nanotechnology, biology, informatics, and robotics is allowing the development of new technologies and treatments for people suffering from motor disorders, people who have memory problems due to damage to the hippocampus, and even the possibility to control external devices via the brain. At the same time that this convergence can enable the recovery of the quality of life and functionality of thousands of people around the world, these technologies may also open doors to important ethical problems related to personal identity, authenticity, autonomy, responsibility, and the meaning of life. In this talk, we explore the state of the art of this convergence that we call “nanobioinforobo”: What ethical issues arise with these technologies? How might brain-computer interface (BCI), Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics feature in human enhancement? How are these technologies changing what it means to be human? On the other hand, we also want to speculate on what these technologies may offer us in the future and its potential risks.