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Essay / What is human enhancement? - 765
Human enhancement is any attempt to temporarily or permanently overcome the current limitations of the human body by natural or artificial means. It is in our human nature that we somehow increase our life expectancy, become stronger, fearless, independent and smarter. It's no surprise that we're turning to all sorts of technologies – neurotechnology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology – to improve human performance. Although they can improve our performance and capabilities, their use raises serious health, ethical and economic concerns. Additionally, not enough is known about their long-term consequences. Many students and young people trying to make a mark in their work now use brain stimulants. “smart” pills to improve their exam results or their ability to work long hours without getting tired. It is quite possible that employers will start requiring their employees to use stimulants. The drugs, initially intended for dementia patients and children diagnosed with ADHD, are now available without a prescription. Healthy people use them only to improve memory, motivation and attention, without any prior consultation with their doctor. Many of these medications are available on the Internet, which comes in handy for young people who want to save their money for the future. What they don't take into consideration when buying stimulants online is the risk of not knowing for sure what they're getting. Additionally, the long-term consequences and safety of the technologies are unknown. Scientists have not done enough research to know what impact even a short period of use of such substances leaves on our brains. Prosthetic limbs, one of the examples of physical enhancement, have improved to the extent that abilities and.... ... middle of paper ...... has changed. People use drugs and other stimulants, like coffee, unnecessarily so they can work harder, longer, and be smarter. Young people feel obligated to use enhancement pills because if they want to be at the top of the class or the best at what they do, they have to give their best. People have been receiving artificial body parts for some time now, while at the same time the military is considering using these same inventions at a more advanced level. The question of privacy and our freedom of choice is also present. Small gadgets improve our lives, but at the same time, they are the ones that control our decisions. In an economy where only those who financed it can afford improvement, inequalities increase. When there is a chance to make us, as human beings, better and even more superior, everyone should have the same rights to become and achieve what they want..