Obsolescence and body technologies

Abstract

One of the most consequential advances in sciences and technology is the increasing generation of bodily enhancement products that enable a culture of, demand for, and acceptance of improving and modifying the human body (structure, function, abilities) beyond its species-typical boundaries. A lively discourse exists around the rights and wrongs of human genetic and other forms of           enhancement. Many treat the species-typical human body as an obsolescent technology in need of serious improvements. This raises various questions. This paper addresses the following questions: a) can one refuse the  upgrade, b) who has access to the upgrade, c) is there a way to revert to the obsolescent state after the upgrade, and d) what is the impact of perceiving oneself as obsolescent.