In the near future, I might be able enhance my cognitive abilities (intelligence, memory, emotion, etc) via neuro-technology, psychopharmacology, and brain-computer interfaces. Is this the next stage in biological/cultural evolution? The general public probably regards cognitive enhancement as morally dubious or socially/politically unnecessary. However, we may have no choice but to enhance ourselves if a super intelligent computer/machine/robot/network is created. Consider this quote made in 1965 by the statistician, I. J. Good, which described what might happen if superhuman intelligence becomes a reality:
"Let an ultra-intelligent machine be defined as a machine that can far surpass all the intellectual activities of any man however clever. Since the design of machines is one of these intellectual activities, an ultra-intelligent machine could design even better machines; there would then unquestionably be an 'intelligence explosion,' and the intelligence of man would be left far behind. Thus the first ultra-intelligent machine is the last invention that man need ever make."
Is this all science fiction? Certainly not. Consider the psychopharmacological aspect (as opposed to the machine scenario mentioned above). Neuroscientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered an unintended consequence of a 'smart drug' called Modafinil that was designed to remedy sleep defects (narcolepsy); an increase in people's IQ scores. There may be other, unforseen side effects, some undesirable, but the fact remains the drug, the first of its kind in history, enhances intelligence (a 'nootropic'), and this cannot be ignored. The human race has never been in this situation at any point in its evolutionary history. This intelligent ape has developed tools so sophisticated that it can enhance its own abilities. Will these developments herald a utopia or dystopia? Or maybe a combination of both? The former for the few, and the latter for the rest? Even if some human groups choose to outlaw cognitive enhancement, perhaps particular countries or religions, somebody, somewhere, will use the technology for their own advantage. Every law has its transgressors, every society has witnessed a crooked politician or a rogue government, and perhaps one of these will use the technology so that a scenario similar to the 'ultra-intelligent' machine one will occur, except in this case it will be ultra-intelligent humans that could wreak havoc. History has demonstrated what the socio-politico-economically powerful can do to the weak, so maybe you'll have to enhance your mind just so that the avaricious people among us don't exploit you?
Why do I want to enhance my mind? I have many reasons but the main one is so that I will be better disposed to tackle deep and vexing questions that preoccupied the powerful minds of such luminaries as Einstein, Feynman, Godel, Von Neuman, and Darwin. It seems to me that it is our intellectual abilities that allow us to unlock nature's secrets, so increasing our intelligence may improve our chances of solving reality's most profound mysteries. Additionally, an enhanced mind might bring one closer to an understanding of the perennial questions pondered by theologians and philosophers of religion; as an agnostic I am willing to consider that possibility. If our emotions are enhanced our appreciation of love, music, art, and beauty may reach untold, amazing heights. Watch the video below. It is an excerpt from the film 'Waking Life' and features a professor talking about what he believes will be the next stage in human evolution; cognitive enhancement is included in his claims. To be continued...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity
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