AppleInsider › Forums › Other Discussion › AppleOutsider › PoliticalOutsider › How old is the human race?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

How old is the human race? - Page 3

post #81 of 89
1/2/08 at 11:18am
One thing that I have learned in life is that the future never turns out the way sci-fi movies portray the future. I believe genetic modifications will be brought on like vaccines are now, except not by an archaic injection, and our future generations will not have to go through with it; they'll inherit it genetically.
Reply
Reply
post #82 of 89
1/2/08 at 1:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by franksargent View Post

Somehow I don't think machines that can't evolve on their own (absent "intelligent interventions") would be considered living organisms, able to procreate and pass on their artificial traits in a true form of natural selection.

You have a point, machine evolution is unlikely (though theoretically possible).

What I meant was that humans would eventually develop various levels of implant/bionic technology, perhaps even going so far as the sci-fi cliche of existing as a brain floating in a tank of nutrients hooked to wires, even further mudding the definition of what is 'human'.

Quote:
Originally Posted by talksense101 View Post

....

The scary part is that I believe we are headed towards this. It isn't that difficult to foresee a future where someone discovers a "terrorist" gene and recommends that parents who are susceptible to have that type of child use clinical methods for artificial reproduction. \

edit: Read this too.

Props for mentioning Gattaca, beat me to it!

In regard to the 'terror' gene testing, I am going to be scheduling an appointment at UNC Chapel Hill to have myself tested for a defective gene trait that is now known to bring on the heart problems I am having, since other non-genetic causes don't appear to be a factor in my case. (my blood pressure is 160, non-smoker, non-alcoholic, clear arteries, but there is a family history of sudden cardiac death)

If they do find the gene, it is recommended that my immediate family and children get tested for it as well. Right now it's not 100% proof that one will develop the full problems if you have this gene defect, but it would mean that you'd want to have your heart monitored more closely than others in order to catch any changes early.
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
post #83 of 89
1/2/08 at 8:34pm
Ugh, nothing infuriates me more than people bringing up that crappy movie in discussions such as this.....
A good brain ain't diddly if you don't have the facts
Reply
A good brain ain't diddly if you don't have the facts
Reply
post #84 of 89
1/2/08 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flounder View Post

Ugh, nothing infuriates me more than people bringing up that crappy movie in discussions such as this.....

I couldn't think of any other movie on the subject. It is easy to visualize the social issues if you look past the movie part of it.
Most of us employ the Internet not to seek the best information, but rather to select information that confirms our prejudices. - Nicholas D. Kristof
Reply
Most of us employ the Internet not to seek the best information, but rather to select information that confirms our prejudices. - Nicholas D. Kristof
Reply
post #85 of 89
1/3/08 at 6:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flounder View Post

Ugh, nothing infuriates me more than people bringing up that crappy movie in discussions such as this.....



What about this one?

Quote:
Originally Posted by talksense101 View Post

I couldn't think of any other movie on the subject. It is easy to visualize the social issues if you look past the movie part of it.

Maybe not the greatest in movie terms, but the overall setting/social issues presented are certainly plausible.

When eugenics become a reality, it will (at least initially) be very expensive just like any other new/developing technology, which means only the rich will be able to have it. I can easily see society becoming divided between eugenics and 'regular humans'. Genetically modified people, at least in theory, would be smarter, stronger, etc.
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
post #86 of 89
1/3/08 at 6:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iPoster View Post

I can easily see society becoming divided between eugenics and 'regular humans'. Genetically modified people, at least in theory, would be smarter, stronger, etc.

Perhaps in the eugenics 2.0 generation. I don't think I'd want to be gen 1.0.
We were once so close to heaven
Peter came out and gave us medals
Declaring us the nicest of the damned -- They Might Be Giants          See the stars at skyviewcafe.com
Reply
We were once so close to heaven
Peter came out and gave us medals
Declaring us the nicest of the damned -- They Might Be Giants          See the stars at skyviewcafe.com
Reply
post #87 of 89
1/3/08 at 7:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iPoster View Post

When eugenics become a reality, it will (at least initially) be very expensive just like any other new/developing technology, which means only the rich will be able to have it. I can easily see society becoming divided between eugenics and 'regular humans'. Genetically modified people, at least in theory, would be smarter, stronger, etc.

That's assuming we'll still have our current capitalist society with a huge gap between the rich and poor.
Reply
Reply
post #88 of 89
1/3/08 at 5:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Outsider View Post

That's assuming we'll still have our current capitalist society with a huge gap between the rich and poor.

It would be good if there was something better, but what other possibility is there?

Communism is all but dead, socialism also has a rich/poor gap (not normally as large, granted). Are you implying that a wealthy person in a socialist country won't have access to better health care than someone totally dependent on the state system?

I think a mix of capitalist/socialist is probably the best overall system. Federalize some highly important and expensive programs such as health care, but retain private ownership of businesses and corporations.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shetline View Post

Perhaps in the eugenics 2.0 generation. I don't think I'd want to be gen 1.0.

Any time genetic medicine/engineering comes up from now on, I'm going to think about the Will Smith version of I Am Legend!!
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
You need skeptics, especially when the science gets very big and monolithic. -James Lovelock
The Story of Stuff
Reply
post #89 of 89
1/4/08 at 6:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iPoster View Post



What about this one?



Maybe not the greatest in movie terms, but the overall setting/social issues presented are certainly plausible.

When eugenics become a reality, it will (at least initially) be very expensive just like any other new/developing technology, which means only the rich will be able to have it. I can easily see society becoming divided between eugenics and 'regular humans'. Genetically modified people, at least in theory, would be smarter, stronger, etc.

Hey back off! I like Khannnnnnnnn!
Without the need for difference or a need to always follow the herd breeds complacency, mediocrity, and a lack of imagination
Reply
Without the need for difference or a need to always follow the herd breeds complacency, mediocrity, and a lack of imagination
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: PoliticalOutsider
AppleInsider › Forums › Other Discussion › AppleOutsider › PoliticalOutsider › How old is the human race?