So apparently we are all cyborgs

[Ashz0r]

Lately in English Literature we learned about 'Posthumanist' theory, stating that we are all cyborgs without any artificial implants or anything. Philip K Dick, amongst others, drew up the argument that anything that uses/creates something, that doesn't originate from themselves, to ensure survival of the species, is a natural born cyborg.

In the lecture, I was like, "The fuck? That's genius!!"

But what does everyone on The Escapist think?

OT: As in writers at such a time were developing ideas in their work suggesting technology and it's importance. Andy Clark - Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science at the University of Sussex, UK, collated the ideas into a coherent theory.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Spoiler: This is a cyborg

Are you as awesome as the Major?

[sub]Didn't think so...[/sub]

OT: Philosophical bullshit, pandered with semantics. Ignore it.

 

[Bobic]

That guy needs to look up the definition of Cyborg, it doesn't mean what he thinks it means.

 

[Sovereignty]

With that logic, couldn't someone argue that we're practically anything?

But I totally agree with the post regarding the major.

Until we can back flip out of helicopters, land on a street, take a bullet in the dome, and chase down the dude who shot us... (Only to later have an orgy with 4 other women.) We're not cyborgs.

 

[Johnnyallstar]

In a sense, our brain is an organic computer. But that doesn't mean that we are cyborgs. That's an oxymoron, because a cyborg is a mechanically enhanced organic being. A purely organic being, unless enhanced by carbon based enhancements, cannot be a cyborg.

 

[Hero in a half shell]

But none of that stuff is necessary for our immediate survival. If you were to put me into an unknown landscape capable of supporting me, I could survive on berries plants etc. make rudimentary shelter and survive without any of our created stuff.

Does that mean that animals that make nests or burrows are also cyborgs? I dunno, it seems a bit too broad, unless the tools are downright necessary for our survival, e.g. life support system, they are just expendable instruments.

 

[Halceon]

Of course we are. Most of us not individually, but we, as a society, are dependant on the tools that we have created.

 

[BourneGamer]

That guy needs to look up the definition of Cyborg, it doesn't mean what he thinks it means.

Yeah, I thought it was a contraction of the words Cybernetic Being = cyborg. That kind of requires cybernetic portions in the being.

 

[Woodsey]

Eh?

Don't think so. As someone else said, just seems like they're arguing semantics and technicalities for the sake of it.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

With that logic, couldn't someone argue that we're practically anything?

But I totally agree with the post regarding the major.

Until we can back flip out of helicopters, land on a street, take a bullet in the dome, and chase down the dude who shot us... (Only to later have an orgy with 4 other women.) We're not cyborgs.

... where did I put my 2nd GIG boxset? I've got a sudden urge for a dose of awesome...

 

[Aeshi]

People with glasses/contacts are technically Cyborgs since all "Cyborg" really means is "Technologically-assisted"

 

[Daystar Clarion]

People with glasses/contacts are technically Cyborgs.

I wear glasses.

This pleases me greatly.

Cyborgs! Assemble!

 

[Konaerix]

Does that mean people who have/had braces and/or a certian kind of metal implant are cyborgs?

 

[Gaderael]

Spoiler: DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!

OT: I don't agree with the arguement that all modern peoples are cyborgs. All ideas have to come from someone, and just because other people put those ideas to use does not make them cyborgs. Humans as a species are social animals, so it makes sense that ideas and inventions are going to be shared and spread amongst the populace. I believe that we should stick to the general definition of cyborgs, that being a physical melding between human and machine. Using a computer does not make me a cyborg. Having that computer grafted into my skin and hardwired to my brain so that I can control it with thought does.

 

[vxicepickxv]

so you're recommending that I peel my skin off right now?

I would advise against that.


I'm not a big fan of going that far into Posthumanist theory to try to say we're cyborgs. I do know a few people who can legitimately be called cyborgs, but as a whole, no, humanity is not a collection of cyborgs. In case you were wondering, they're called pacemakers.

Also a cyborg.

 

[Zaik]

This is some guy that is using semantics to stretch a definition so wide that it doesn't actually hold any meaning anymore.

Just think, by that definition, any creature that has ever used a tool to complete a task is a cyborg. That includes animals.

Really?