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Converging NBIC Technologies for Improving Human Performance: A Critical Assessment of the Novelty and the Prospects of the Project

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2021

Bert Gordijn
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Extract

In recent times, optimistic views have been advanced about the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science and the way in which this so-called “NBIC convergence” could and should be used to enhance human performance, such as to improve our sensory, motorial and/or cognitive abilities, as well as our moods and physical appearance. These ideas have been elaborately developed and presented in several “NBIC workshops” in the US. This contribution focuses on two claims made by the proponents of the NBIC convergence. First, it is argued that the project of “Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance” represents something genuinely new and quite unique. Second, it is maintained that the future prospects of this project are extraordinarily positive. In order to critically assess these two claims I will first focus on the question of whether there is indeed anything genuinely new about the project of improving human performance by means of converging NBIC technologies. Next I will analyze whether the project warrants that we be optimistic about its future prospects.

Type
Symposium
Information
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics , Volume 34 , Issue 4 , Winter 2006 , pp. 726 - 732
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 2006

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References

See, for example, Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Executive Summary,” in Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., eds., NBIC Convergence for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (Dordrecht/Boston/London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003): ix–xiii; Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Id., 1–27; Roco, M. C. and Montemagno, C. D., “Preface,” in Roco, M. C. and Montemagno, C. D., eds., “The Coevolution of Human Potential and Converging Technologies,” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1013 (New York: New York Academy of Sciences, 2004): vii–viii, available at <http://www.annalsnyas.org> (last visited August 29, 2006); Roco, M. C., “Science and Technology Integration for Increased Human Potential and Societal Outcomes,” in Id., 1–16.Google Scholar
The first of these NBIC workshops was entitled “Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance.” Organized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) it was held December 3–4, 2001 at the NSF in Virginia. The contributions made at this workshop were published in a report with the same title: Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., eds., NBIC Convergence for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (Dordrecht/Boston/London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003). The second NBIC workshop was held February 5–7, 2003 in Los Angeles. A selection of this workshop's papers appeared in a second volume: Roco, M. C. and Montemagno, C. D., eds., “The Coevolution of Human Potential and Converging Technologies,” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1013 (New York: New York Academy of Sciences, 2004). Available at <http://www.annalsnyas.org> (last visited August 29, 2006). Finally, two further NBIC workshops were held in New York City February 25–27, 2004 and in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, February 23–25, 2005. As a result further edited volumes focusing on NBIC convergence are to be expected. Quickly after the publication of the first report, the idea of improving human performance by means of NBIC convergence triggered a considerable variety of international critical reactions. In the US, however, the idea that NBIC convergence should be furthered and used for improving human performance seems to have attained broad acceptance as an inspiring regulative idea within large parts of the nanotechnology community.Google Scholar
For example, the authors claim that “we stand at the threshold of a new renaissance in science and technology.” Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 1. Moreover, “the sciences have reached a watershed.” Id., at 2. There are “paradigm changes,” Roco, M. C., “Science and Technology Integration for Increased Human Potential and Societal Outcomes,” in Roco, and Montemagno, supra note 2, at 12, and we can expect to see “revolutionary changes in technology, economy, and society, as well as human potential,” Id. In addition, it is stated that “at this unique moment in the history of technical achievement, improvement of human performance becomes possible.” Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 3. Finally, it is argued that converging technologies will bring about a “turning point in the evolution of human society.” Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Executive Summary,” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2.Google Scholar
After all, NBIC convergence will enable us to deal with all manner of future challenges by “substantially enhancing human mental, physical, and social abilities.” Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 3. Moreover, converging technologies will not only initiate “a new renaissance”, Id., at 13, but also determine “a tremendous improvement in human abilities, societal outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life.” Roco, supra note 3, at 2. Finally, converging technologies will bring about “world peace, universal prosperity and an evolution to a higher level of compassion and accomplishment.” Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 6.Google Scholar
Ancient man, for example, operated with the regulative idea of “becoming like God” (homoiosis theoi). This regulative idea originated in the teachings of the Orphic religion.Google Scholar
The Franciscan monk Roger Bacon (1214–1294) was a notable exception. As early as the 13th century he fantasized about ships without oarsmen, wagons that could move by themselves and machines which could fly through the air.Google Scholar
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See for example Roco, M. C. and Bainbridge, W. S., “Overview. Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science (NBIC),” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 2 and 13. Another proponent of NBIC convergence in the same volume, however, seems to use the word “convergence” as something that is the direct opposite of reductionism. Canton, J., “The Impact of Convergent Technologies and the Future of Business and the Economy,” in Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 72.Google Scholar
There are several well-known examples of cross-fertilization or synergism between NBIC disciplines. For example, progress in computing has enabled the rapid sequencing of the human genome as well as the swift development of new neuroimaging technologies. Vice versa, progress in genetics and neuroscience is stimulating computer science by furthering the development of DNA computers and artificial neural networks.Google Scholar
Lee Silver, for example, coined the word “reprogenetics,” a discipline based upon the cross-fertilization and synergism between the traditional fields of reproduction medicine and genetics. He assumes that in the nearby future reprogenetics will enable many new options (for example by means of germ line interventions) for the enhancement of human performance. Silver, supra note 7. Apart from that, the specific idea of NBIC synergy seems to have been clearly anticipated in Antón, P. S. Siberglitt, R. and Schneider, J., The Global Technology Revolution. Bio/Nano/Materials Trends and Their Synergies with Information Technology by 2015 (Santa Monica, CA and Arlington, VA: RAND, 2001) available at <http://www.rand.org/> (last visited August 29, 2006).Google Scholar
Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 2, at 7.Google Scholar
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Roco, and Bainbridge, supra note 8, at 6.Google Scholar
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