Technology and the Nature of Man: Biological Considerations. An Occasional Paper on Man/Society/Technology.

This seminar paper explores biological aspects of the man-technology relationship. From man's beginning and continuing into the future, technology is interwoven extensively in the biological fabric of man. Five facets of the biology-technology interaction are examined: (1) technological innovations enabling man to learn about his biological mechanisms; (2) technological influences on man's evolution; (3) technological procedures designed to enhance man's biological capacities; (4) technological byproducts which adversely affect man's well-being; and (5) potential future technological manipulations which may affect man's future biology. It is believed that the future biological development of mankind depends extensively upon the pace and direction of biological technology. Some future technological manipulations which have been predicted involve birth, genetics, prolonging life, medical improvements, enhancing the capacity of the mind, man-machine relationship/combination, and creating life. (ND)