Human Alternation: How far is too far? (CSA North 5th floor)

Dr. Steve DeWeerth, BME

Address the societal, intellectual, and ethical aspects of integration of human and machine

• A monthly movie night beginning with a viewing of Boris Karloff's 1931 rendition of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, and then moving on to more modern fare (e.g. Blade Runner, The Matrix
• Visit sites where augmentation is being used to improve the human condition (example: The Shepherd Center)
• Develop a Community outreach project based upon one or more of the planned field trips

One of the most pervasive themes in science-fiction literature and film involves the integration of human and machine. From the cyborgs of Blade Runner, Robocop, and The Terminator to the artificial realities of Tron, The Lawnmower Man, and the Matrix series, there are numerous examples exploring this intriguing link between person and technology. Does the theme really have anything to do with reality, or is it but the purview of creative writers?

This ThinkBig community will explore both the science fiction and the science (such as brain/machine interfacing and neural prostheses) associated with human augmentation. We will watch movies, read books, have lively discussions, visit off-campus sites, and develop a Community outreach project. Each member of the community will have the opportunity to participate in the activities that (s)he finds most interesting. The ultimate goal is to generate an enjoyable atmosphere in which we can address the societal, intellectual, and ethical aspects of this challenging and thought-provoking topic.