What is it about?
This paper critically engages with a review of Thomas Fuchs' work, In Defense of the Human Being, which explores the idea that our thoughts and experiences are deeply shaped by our bodies and physical interactions with the world. The paper expands on the review by discussing how human cognition—how we think and understand things—can be better understood by combining two different ideas: one that focuses on the brain and its functions (functionalism) and another that emphasizes the role of our bodies in shaping our minds (embodied cognition). It also examines the impact of new technologies, like transhumanism (technologies that aim to enhance or change human capabilities), and raises ethical concerns, especially in healthcare. The paper calls for a more inclusive approach to understanding how technology affects human identity and mental health, urging a better ethical framework that considers fairness and social equity. In short, it aims to add depth to the conversation about how technology and the body shape what it means to be human.
Featured Image
Photo by Bacila Vlad on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This paper is important because it challenges and expands existing ideas about what it means to be human in the context of modern technological advancements. As technology increasingly influences our lives—especially in healthcare, mental health, and cognitive enhancement—it is crucial to consider how these changes affect our identity and well-being. The paper calls for a broader, more inclusive approach to understanding human cognition that takes into account both the mind and the body, rather than viewing them as separate. It also pushes for stronger ethical considerations, emphasizing social fairness and the potential risks of technological advancements, particularly for vulnerable populations. In an age where technological progress is rapidly changing our capabilities, this paper highlights the need for a thoughtful, holistic approach to the way we define and protect human identity.
Perspectives
I find Thomas Fuchs' work on embodied cognition to be both thought-provoking and foundational in understanding human existence. However, I believe there is room to further develop his ideas by integrating functionalist models with embodied cognition to create a more comprehensive view of human cognition and behavior. My goal in this paper was to highlight how important it is to evaluate the societal and ethical implications of emerging technologies—particularly those related to transhumanism and healthcare. These technologies hold great potential but also pose significant risks, especially if not critically examined through a lens of social equity. I also wanted to engage with critiques, such as Doede’s, that encourage us to think beyond technological determinism and explore a more diverse range of cognitive models. Ultimately, I hope to encourage a more nuanced, inclusive conversation about human identity in the age of technological innovation, one that recognizes both the power and the limitations of our bodies and minds.
Assoc. Prof. Ezra N. S. Lockhart
National University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: What It Means to Be Human: A Response to Harzheim, Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, November 2024, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0963180124000525.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
