Arrr, me hearties, Neuralink o' Elon Musk be makin' us ponder: Will future scallywags be havin' morals or be plunderin' all day long?
2024-02-03
Arr, begad! Elon Musk's Neuralink be the newfangled contraption o' the future, makin' us landlubbers smarter! But mark me words, will it also make us more virtuous? That be the question weighin' heavy on me mind, mateys!
Elon Musk recently announced the successful implantation of Neuralink, a "brain-computer interface," into a human brain. This groundbreaking technology has already undergone animal trials and has been likened to a Fitbit for the brain. When paired with an iPhone, Neuralink has the potential to control prosthetics, monitor brain activity in real time, and enhance overall cognitive capacity. The humorous suggestion is made that it may even eventually pair seamlessly with a Tesla car.Neuralink is just one example of the many novel technologies available for advancing cognitive capacities. Brain stimulation techniques can increase attention and boost creativity, while drugs like propranolol, Adderall, and Modafinil can modify memories and enhance cognition. Another intriguing method is optogenetics, which involves making neurons fire when exposed to light, although the challenge of introducing a flashlight into the brain remains.
The author muses on the idea that cognitive enhancement not only improves thinking abilities but may also help in understanding moral concerns that are currently elusive to us. Drawing a comparison, they humorously point out that dogs have a limited understanding of morality, highlighting the greater intellectual capacity of humans. However, the author argues that merely understanding morality does not make one more moral.
The article references Aristotle and studies conducted by Eric Schwitzgebel to support the notion that knowledge of morality does not necessarily translate into better moral behavior. The author concludes that being smarter does not make a person more moral, and assuming moral worth based on IQ is a violation of human dignity.
Instead of focusing on enhancing intelligence, the author suggests targeting empathy, altruism, or positive personality traits to improve moral behavior. However, they acknowledge that no form of enhancement can guarantee individuals will act according to their enhanced moral compass.
Ultimately, the article advises pursuing traditional paths to moral growth, such as studying moral advice, engaging in local communities, appreciating beauty, practicing religion, seeking education, and serving the less fortunate. These paths, the author argues, have not been surpassed by Neuralink or any other technological advancement.