I really enjoyed the 'Transhumanism' video, and as wordy as the more classical reading was, I believe they both articulate an interesting cyclical concept; technology becomes a part of us and alters how we perceive the world, but our perception effects the possibilities of technology.

As much as I dislike agreeing with Karl Marx- “technology discloses man’s mode of dealing with Nature, the process of production by which he sustains his life, and thereby also lays bare the mode of formation of his social relations, and of the mental conceptions that flow from them.” This mirrors both what I believe and the resources stated: technology is an advancement that allows us to alter how we interpret and interact with the world, rather than control the world itself. In the reading technology as a word was “a more apt signifier for the new agents of change than any of its precursors... mechanic arts, invention, improvement, machine, machinery, or mechanism.” Technology- as a study- encompasses all of those definable things, plus an unquantifiable component that changes with time: human perspective.

Leo Marx quotes several people in the article who seem to agree that technology continues advancing for the benefit of everyone. “Innovations in the mechanic arts could be relied upon… to result in progress and prosperity for all” and it’s “history might be expected to culminate in a… universal improvement in the conditions of human existence” are a couple of the many quotes that drew me back to questions posed in the 'Transhumanism' video. Who is making the tech, what is the intention for the tech, what new possible perspectives/actions does the tech allow?  Asking question like these can reveal bias and cultural shifts. It also reinforces my thoughts from last week’s discussion: we identify and understand things, people and ideas because of our previous experiences, not just their definition or intention.

The related video also poses an excellent- if existential question- “what is your most authentic self?” This idea builds on how the concept of self and perspective change the possible applications of technology. I do not define myself by my disabilities, but they are an integral part of my lifestyle and personality. I use technology like medicine and tools to increase functionality and quality of life. Do these limitations categorize who I really am? Do the technologies I use to overcome them? Are they really even limitations, or does the existence of these new technologies and their possibilities change my perception of ‘self’ and ‘improved’?