Neil Harbisson and cyborgism

September 2, 2024

Author: Juan Manuel Palomares Cantero

Versión en español

Introduction

Today, technological advances are happening at a dizzying pace, and Neil Harbisson has become an icon of the encounter between the human and the technological. Born with achromatopsia, a condition that makes it impossible for him to perceive colors, Harbisson not only overcame this limitation, but transformed his disability into a new way of experimenting and creating art. This was made possible by the implantation of an antenna in his skull, making him the first legally recognized cyborg in the world. Not only does this device allow you to "hear" colors through vibrations, but it also redefines his identity, inviting you to reflect on what it means to be human in an age dominated by technology.

Cyborgism, a concept that describes the integration of technology into the human body to expand its capabilities, has long been a recurring theme in science fiction. However, figures such as Harbisson have made this idea a palpable reality. This movement, which intertwines the biological and the technological, not only expands human capacities, but also challenges our traditional conceptions of identity, ethics, and perception. As technology continues to advance, cyborgism raises fundamental questions about the future of humanity and the potential social, legal, and cultural repercussions that come with it.

In addition, Harbisson's case underscores the growing fusion between art and technology. Its ability to transform sensory experience into a work of art opens new frontiers in the artistic field, where technology is not just a tool, but an extension of one's being. This approach not only redefines art-making, but also challenges traditional notions of art, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in the realm of human expression. Thus, Harbisson not only modifies his perception of the world, but also invites a reevaluation of how humanity could coexist with technology in the near future.

Life and work of Neil Harbisson

Neil Harbisson, born in 1982 in London, has lived since his childhood in a world where colors were inaccessible to him due to his achromatopsia. Despite this limitation, Harbisson developed a deep interest in the visual arts, tirelessly searching for ways to transcend the barriers that his condition imposed on him. His passion for art and technology led him to develop innovative solutions that would allow him to experience color, culminating in the creation of the cyborg antenna, a device that would change his life and his perception of the world forever.

This antenna, built directly into his skull, converts frequencies of light into vibrations that Harbisson perceives as sounds, allowing him to "hear" colors, including those that are beyond the spectrum visible to humans, such as infrared and ultraviolet. This technological advancement not only expanded their sensory capabilities, but also redefined their concept of identity, merging the biological with the technological in a way that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be human. For Harbisson, the antenna is more than a tool; it is an extension of your being, an integral part of your everyday experience and your perception of the world.

In addition to his personal transformation, Harbisson has channeled his unique experience into activism and art. In 2010, together with Moon Ribas, he co-founded the Cyborg Foundation, an organization dedicated to the defense of cyborg rights and the promotion of the use of technology to expand human capabilities. This foundation not only supports those who wish to become cyborgs, but also promotes research and development of new forms of sensory perception. As an artist, Harbisson has used his ability to "hear" colors as a source of inspiration to create works that explore synesthesia, challenging traditional perceptions and offering new perspectives on art and reality. His work opens a dialogue between technology and creativity, showing how cyborgization can transform not only the individual, but also the way we all experience the world.

Implications of cyborgism

The case of Neil Harbisson is not only a fascinating example of self-improvement and artistry, but it also raises fundamental questions about the ethical and philosophical implications of cyborgism. As technology makes it possible to expand human capabilities, the question arises of where to draw the line between therapeutic enhancement and body modification that could alter the very nature of humanity. Harbisson, with its antenna that allows him to hear colors, invites us to reconsider our conceptions of identity and personhood. His existence as a cyborg challenges the idea that identity is intrinsically tied to a fixed biological body, opening the door to the notion that identity can be constructed and redefined through technology.

Cyborgism not only represents an expansion of human capabilities but can also be considered a form of evolutionary innovation. Neil Harbisson, with his cyborg status, can be seen as a "hopeful monster," a term coined by geneticist Richard Goldschmidt to describe a mutation that, while initially appearing anomalous, has the potential to set a new evolutionary standard. This concept suggests that humanity could be in the midst of an evolutionary process that includes the integration of technologies into our bodies, which could lead to new forms of life and unprecedented ways of adapting to the environment. Harbisson's official acceptance as a cyborg suggests that the future could be marked by new forms of existence, where the biological and the technological are inseparably intertwined.

The duality between the virtual and the augmented in Harbisson's experience also reflects a fundamental shift in the way cyborgs can interact with the world. Its antenna not only allows it to simulate the color perception that humans naturally possess, but also grants it sensory capabilities that transcend conventional human limitations. This duality raises questions about the nature of reality and how cyborgization might transform our understanding of the world and ourselves. As technology advances, the line between the real and the virtual becomes increasingly blurred, and cyborgs like Harbisson find themselves at the junction of this new reality.

In addition to philosophical considerations, cyborgism also presents significant legal and ethical challenges. The existence of cyborgs like Harbisson forces us to reconsider the norms and rights that regulate human life. If cyborgs are legally recognized, the question arises as to whether they will be treated as enhanced humans or as a new class of non-human beings. This issue highlights the need to develop an appropriate legal and ethical framework that addresses the particularities of cyborgism, ensuring that the rights and freedoms of cyborgs are protected, while regulating the potential threats that these technologies may pose to society.

Bioethics and cyborgism

The case of Neil Harbisson and his cyborg status raises several fundamental questions from the perspective of bioethics, especially when examined in the light of the principles founded on the dignity of the person, the pursuit of equity, justice, solidarity, subsidiarity and respect for physical life.

From the principle of the dignity of the person, Harbisson invites us to reflect on how human identity can be redefined through technological integration. Although its cyborgization has allowed a sensory expansion that transcends biological limitations, it is essential to consider whether this type of modification respects the integrity of the whole person. Human dignity should not be sacrificed in the name of technological improvement, and it is essential that any progress preserves and enhances the intrinsic value of the human being, without reducing it to a mere object of technological experimentation.

The principle of equity forces us to question whether all individuals have access to these technological advances fairly. Cyborgization, as experienced by Harbisson, could become a luxury accessible only to a few, further widening the gap between those who have access to the technology and those who do not. This challenge is particularly relevant in a world where inequalities are already deep. Equity demands that all advances in technology be accessible to humanity as a whole, not just to a privileged elite.

In terms of justice, the legalization and regulation of cyborgs raise complex questions about the rights and responsibilities of these individuals. If Harbisson and others like him are legally recognized as cyborgs, how do you ensure that their rights are protected without dehumanizing or creating a new category of beings that might be subject to discrimination? Justice requires a careful approach to developing a legal framework that protects the rights of all, including cyborgs, without compromising the rights of others.

The principle of solidarity underlines the importance of a collective approach to cyborgization. Technology, being a product of human ingenuity, must serve the common good and not just individual interests. Harbisson's case suggests a path towards human evolution that could be shared, but solidarity reminds us that this path must be traveled with awareness of the needs and realities of others, ensuring that technological progress leaves no one behind.

The principle of subsidiarity suggests that any technological intervention should be used to complement and not replace human capabilities. In Harbisson's case, his antenna not only expands his sensory capabilities, but becomes an integral part of his identity. However, it is important that such interventions are carried out respecting the autonomy of the person and ensuring that decisions are made with full knowledge and consent.

Finally, respect for physical life is a central principle in any bioethical discussion. Cyborgization must not compromise the physical integrity of the person or his or her health in a broad sense. It is imperative that any body modifications, such as Harbisson’s antenna, be carefully evaluated to ensure that no irreversible damage is done or the essence of what it means to be human is altered.

Conclusion

The case of Neil Harbisson underscores how cyborgization can redefine human identity by merging the biological and the technological. This phenomenon raises fundamental questions about the nature of the person and human integrity. Although technology offers new sensory capacities and expansions of the human experience, it is essential that such advances respect and preserve the intrinsic dignity of the person, ensuring that identity is not compromised by technological experimentation.

Cyborgization, as experienced by Harbisson, highlights a potential gap in access to technological advances. There is a risk that these innovations will become a luxury accessible only to an elite, exacerbating inequalities already present in society. Therefore, an ethical framework is needed that promotes equity in access to these technologies, ensuring that their benefits are available to all, and not just to a privileged few.

As cyborgization becomes a tangible reality, as in the case of Harbisson, the need arises to develop a legal and bioethical framework that adequately regulates these new forms of existence. This framework should protect the rights of cyborgs without dehumanizing them or creating new forms of discrimination, while ensuring that technological interventions respect the autonomy, health, and physical integrity of individuals. Justice and solidarity must be the guiding principles in the formulation of these policies.

Juan Manuel Palomares Cantero is a lawyer, master and doctor in Bioethics from the Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico. He was director of Human Capital, director and general coordinator in the Faculty of Bioethics. He currently works as a researcher in the Academic Directorate of Integral Training of the same University. He is a member of the Mexican National Academy of Bioethics and the Latin American and Caribbean Federation of Bioethics Institutions. This article was assisted in its writing by the use of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool developed by OpenAI. 

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