Keywords
artificial intelligence
transhumanism
genome editing
human evolution
extended evolutionary synthesis
post-humans
How to Cite
Societal impact
Abstract
The starting point of our central argument is based on a general understanding of singularity as a point in time at which control is lost as processes break down due to an excessive rate of change. In this scenario, evolutionary singularity may be defined as the point at which ‘artificial evolution’ outpaces natural evolution to keep up. In such an evolutionary singularity, the editing of our genome, artificial intelligence, and technological and ecological changes on our planet are generating a new culture and ethics. According to this projection, post-humans will appear given the premise that the human species in its current form does not represent the end of their evolution. To understand the interaction of convergent technologies towards a singularity that will transform us into post-humans, it is important to redefine the concept of human evolution to face the advances in the editing of our genome, artificial intelligence, man-computer interfaces, as well as the changes in our physical, cultural, political, and creative environments. The extended evolutionary synthesis (EES) postulates that, in addition to natural selection, other dynamic forces converge, which change in time and space. The transformations in our biosphere, the use of technologies for editing our genome, and the improvement of brain-computer interfaces will condition new biological, social, and political adaptations. This stage of humankind will be that of the post-humans.
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