The readings of Donna Haraway and
Michel Foucault explain that any individual can gain power through the use of
machines. Concepts such as the Panopticon allow anyone to put a number of
people under constant surveillance in the effort of correcting others. This
idea also works the other way around in that the observer is also seen by
various third-parties, so as to evoke fairness. Another important concept within
the readings is that of the cyborg; the hybrid of man and machine. By allowing
mechanisms to enhance the bodily aspects of organisms, it might be possible to
overcome restrictions and prejudices related to race and gender, as well as
allow people to go beyond life and death by being ever-present within machines.
In addition, these enhancements can also lead to a world where communication
has reached its peak and everyone can understand each other, effectively
removing language barriers. With humans gaining powers of surveillance,
language and the ability control gender and race, would all forms of conflict
cease, or would they increase? There might be some who would struggle to find
uniqueness in a world where anyone can be anything they desire. Furthermore,
the constant surveillance on one’s self and others could lead to issues of
privacy and the need to act compliant for fear of retaliation by others. There
is also the matter of immortality if consciousness where to be transferred into
a machine: would living forever make people constantly challenge their purpose
and happiness in life as the world around them makes drastic changes over many
years? Despite these doubts, it is undeniable that machines can improve the lives
of others and will continue to do so for many, many years.
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