9 Big Problems With Future Scientific Breakthroughs

2. Artificial Enhancement

It remains to be seen whether cybernetic implants and genetic modification in humans will be the preserve of the few or the domain of the many. Either way, it creates a culture of haves and have nots.

With cybernetic enhancement, the effect is pretty similar to the current trend for having the latest phone or even the difference between those who wear glasses, and those with the money and the inclination to get laser eye surgery.

However, when we get into the murky world of genetic enhancement that things get tricky.

For example, it may be possible in future to genetically enhance the intelligence if a human before it is born. This is likely to be an expensive process, therefore making it the preserve of the rich. In this case, we run the risk of creating an underclass of unenhanced children.

Do we make the enhanced humans sit harder exams or do we let them sit the same ones and flatten their classmates? Do we acknowledge that they are simply "better"? Do we make enhancement mandatory for all children? This removes the divide but has serious implications for free will.