Definition
Biological Enhancement refers to the use of biomedical and genetic technologies to improve human cognitive, physical, or psychological traits beyond the current species-typical range. In the context of superintelligence, it is viewed as a pathway that could produce “weak” forms of superintelligence through the collective power of enhanced human populations.
Why It Matters
It represents the quest to upgrade human hardware to keep pace with synthetic machines and avoid obsolescence. The stakes are existential; if we don’t enhance ourselves, we may lose the ability to understand or control our own creations.
Core Concepts
- Cognitive Nootropics: Pharmacological interventions (drugs) to boost memory, focus, and energy. Bostrom notes current efficacy is marginal but future drugs may offer clearer benefits.
- Genetic Selection: Using Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to choose embryos with desirable cognitive traits.
- Iterated Embryo Selection (IES): A high-speed version of selection using stem-cell derived gametes to cross multiple generations in a few years.
- Somatic vs. Germline: Somatic enhancements (on existing people) are harder and limited by existing brain structure; germline enhancements (on embryos) can shape early brain development and produce larger effects.
- Generational Lag: The primary bottleneck of biological enhancement is the 20+ year delay required for enhanced individuals to mature and enter the workforce.