No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
Abstract
Humans are the highest form of intelligent life on Earth. But what is it that makes us distinctly human? From a purely scientific perspective, what, if anything, sets us apart from other forms of life? Are there other important considerations, apart from the natural sciences, which might be necessary, if we want a complete picture of what it means to be human? In this chapter we will explore these and other questions related to our humanness. We conclude by focusing on the question, what can we learn from an android about what it means to be human?
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Biotechnology might offer the best way to keep some endangered species from disappearing from the planet
Universal Studios 1931). A scientist learns “what it feels like to be God” after successfully assembling and animating a living creature from dead human body parts
- Frankenstein
Andrew Niccol, Columbia Pictures 1997) Natural birth, versus genetically screened and selected birth [DVD scenes 3, 4], Genetic discrimination and impersonation [DVD scenes 6
- Gattaca
The Original Series) – Spock’s Brain (Marc Daniels, Paramount 1968). Dr. McCoy must acquire the delicate surgical skills necessary to put Spock’s stolen brain back where it belongs
- Star Trek
Heisenberg compensators
- Star Trek
A cure for cancer has been found by genetically engineering the measles virus. But the virus mutates with bizarre, if not lethal consequences
- Legend I Am
A theme park is created with living dinosaurs, cloned from DNA found in jurassic mosquitoes preserved in amber
- Jurassic Park
Some of the clones are found not only to be biologically identical to their “sponsors,” but also to have their memories
- The Island
The Hands of Orlac) (Karl Freund, MGM 1935). A hand transplant more than 60 years before the first successful operation of this kind
- Mad Love
Biologist studies the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster on worms
- Godzilla
Clones are created and sold as insurance policies to the wealthy
- The Island
Dialog between Spock and Data, in regard to what it means to be human
- Star Trek
The Next Generation, “Rightful Heir” (Winrich Kolbe, Paramount 1993). Data’s choice to be more than just a machine
- Star Trek
A high school student is bitten by a genetically engineered super-spider, and acquires spider-like abilities
- Spider-Man