Jkr438@aol.com wrote:
> The problem: continuing inefficiencies of manned space flight
> juxtaposed with the real human need to explore and feel involved with
> it, brings us to the solution to this problem which both maximizes the
> scientific knowledge yield on the one hand, (perhaps even better than
> the conventionally envisioned robotics programs) and uniquely
> satisfies our transhumanist need for involvement in that exploration
> in ways that currently envisioned manned programs cannot.
>
> The answer: Space Monkeys. Genetically engineered monkeys, exact
> species as yet undetermined. General body plan, small, four grasping
> appendages and prehensile tail already more fit for zero G environment
> than human. Genetic modifications mostly centering on vocal
> refinements for speech. Modest improvements to cerebral abilities
> include primarily more efficient blood flow and chemical connections
> (much like our lab animal mouse "Doogie", all praise unto him!). For
> the beginning specimen we should probably chose an individual with a
> naturally larger braincase within the variation of its species. A
> minimalist ethic in making these modifications should be followed
> leaving the product still in essence a member of its original species
> capable of normal reproduction therewith, and in appearance virtually
> indistinguishable. A further general rule of dominance regarding
> these modifications should be followed such that reproduction with
> their own unmodified cohorts, will generally produce heterozygous
> specimens that retain the enhancements of its genetically modified
> parent. A seed group of perhaps less than a dozen modified
> individuals should get the ball rolling nicely. The biological half
> of this program shall be joined with an equal technological program to
> create computers, living spaces, and other technological interfaces
> specifically engineered to their ergonomic and sensory convenience.
> The resulting monkey with a wearable computer interface assistant
> will certainly have no problems meeting and exceeding the human mental
> performance standards necessary for the environment of space
> exploration. Their smaller stature, and natural anthropomorphism will
> make for not merely a sufficient replacement for humans, but a
> superior improvement thereon.
>
> And of course these monkey's will all be Virians! What better proof
> of our memetic fitness than the ability to cross the biological
> divide! :-)
>
> Love,
>
> -Jake, the CoV lab animal!
The primary problem I could see with this issue, is that when you send a
human in space, this human has a certain social and cultural background
that supports the acquisition of knowledge, and the respect for both
ethical standards for the treatment of the humans and other monkeys
involved with the system as well as the understanding of the
responsibility of maintaining the craft and tools of which they will be
interacting with and controling. Will a monkey realise that playing
around with the controls result in failure of the mission, either
fatally or in concept -- will he crash the shuttle (or any varients
thereof) or not produce the desired results? Will this monkey feel
confortable with humans, or perhaps the monkey just might not care about
successfully fulfilling the mission. I would sugest extensive testing of
the social capabilities of these modified monkeys, not just in thier
ability to communicate, but in thier willingness to communicate and or
thier willingness to participate at all. You can't just splice a few
genes, raise it, and expect this new creature to bow to your whims and
do what it's told -- it is a creature with it's own ability to make
decisions, and the greater possibility of the monkey making poor or
undesirable decisions than that of a human who has obligations to his
species and social structure.
Even with all that aside, what other implications could arise from a
new, more intelligent species suddenly sprouting up, either morally,
socially, or biologically?
Ishnigarrab
---
To unsubscribe from the Virus list go to <
http://www.lucifer.com/cgi-bin/virus-l>
Author
Logged
