In the classic Roman tragedies, to symbolize their pagan deities descending to the mortal realm, the Romans would lower the actor via crane in a theatrical device which is immortalized as “deus ex machina,” God from the machine.
In our post-Cold War world, we may be witnessing the same device on a much broader, much more sinister plane. Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, has been making headlines. Their “brain-computer interface” has been officially tested on the human brain and the results are “promising.” The patient is “recovering well” from the new device, which reportedly will allow them to use certain electronic devices with their mind.
Neuralink’s unprecedented machine was created to assist those born with ALS or quadriplegics who were disabled by a spinal injury. The goal is to restore their neural pathways to proper function. If this device continues to prove effective, then it is a miraculous new procedure that can revolutionize the medical industry. Indeed, as we continue to grow in our understanding of medicine and technology, we should continue to integrate the two. A problem, however, is discovered when we cross the limits of restorative medicine and breach the threshold of transhumanism. To this issue, conservatives offer no response.
There are few words more in need of definition than “transhumanism.” We can begin by noting that the word is formed from the Latin “trans”, meaning “across” and, surprise to no one, “humanus.” We can infer what exactly is going “across” by how the prefix functions in the word “transgender “(although it should be noted that while transgenderism is related to transhumanism, there are a few distinctions), where the limit of biological gender is overcome or, perhaps, trans-scended. In transhumanism the action is the same, but the subject is no longer just a person’s gender, but the very nature of personhood itself. From an etymological level, we can notice that the term “transhumanism” is rooted in the idea of transcendence. We accursed human beings, transhumanists argue, must learn to transcend our bodily limitations by employing technological enhancements.
There is no conservative consensus on this matter. Frankly, it’s seldom even a topic of discussion, unless it’s nodded at briefly during a debate regarding gender identity. Aside from sporadic pushback, there is not a concrete answer on what to make of this new procedure. That is the crux of my concern. When the American people are confused in ten years as to how they should react to this surgery, many will look to policy makers for an answer. Progressivists are all in favor of this ideology.
Conservatives? Silence. Therefore, conservatives must voice their concerns now regarding the atrocities of transhumanism.
The danger of transhumanism is not whether the technology works. I have no doubt that these innovative technologies will accomplish what they set out to perform. Neuralink may well improve the life of disabled individuals, and rightly so, but that is not the danger. The danger lies in what will happen next. Albeit, this is problematic for us, because we cannot predict where this goes without a great degree of cynicism. And while we mustn’t neglect the baby when dumping out the bathwater, we are in dire need of dumping the bathwater.
Thus, it is best to form our conclusion from what is before us. Unfortunately, Neuralink is an apt example of what my cynicism leads me to fear. They state their mission outright: “Create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow.” It’s almost comical how perfectly they describe our society’s very likely progression from restorative medicine to transhumanism. The goal of transhumanism is to revolutionize the way in which we see common medicine, which is the true danger.
The way I propose we examine this complex issue is via the categories I have dubbed “restorative” medicine and “transgressive” medicine. Operating in a theistic paradigm, restorative medicine is quite simple. It is medicine (drugs, surgeries, devices, etc.) that remedy our ailments and, for lack of a better word, restore them to proper use.
Consider our eyeglasses: they help our eyes see as God created them to see. Not necessarily further or clearer than they otherwise would be, mind you, but certainly to the level at which we assume God intended. Consider pacemakers: they help the heart regulate blood in the manner God intended. Not more efficiently than previously, but just at the capacity God engineered it to function. Alternatively, transgressive medicine sees the body and seeks to alter it.
Consider common plastic surgery: there is nothing restorative about a boob job. Medicine is deeply rooted in the idea of morphological freedom, that our body is ours to treat however we desire. Transgressive medicine provides the premise for why procedures such as abortion can be conducted. Your body is yours and yours alone, to do to it as you wish. Neuralink is such an apt example of both these types of medicine. As it exists now, Neuralink is a perfect example of restorative medicine. They restore the brokenness of the neural pathways back to the role God designed them to fulfill. Yet their mission, their goal of elevating humanity, is flagrantly transgressive. Their objective is ushering mankind to the next stage of Evolution, which, by means of technological enhancements, is textbook transhumanism.
Very well, Neuralink, “elevate” mankind. Fashion for us devices with which we can have complete control over technological extremities. Enhance us. The American populus will be, as they are now, nothing but receptive. Let us go, limb by limb, part by part, adding to man what we like, taking from him what obscures his freedom. Such a creature may achieve transcendence, but their body will be more than flesh, blood, and bone. Instead of pure biology, there will now be technology.
That dangerous merger, in addition to all concerns regarding medical ethics, is an attack on our identity as creatures made in the Imago Dei – Image of God. Our new savior, our new god, will come down as a machine. It will offer temporary healing and bring eternal damnation.
Therefore, conservatives, vigilant to the cause of humanity, must prevent this disaster.
