The humanity trait can be summarized as the “degree of development and inter-relatedness of capabilities......... that ... contribute to a dynamic reflexive dimension of self-awareness that forms the platform for intentionality and exercise of free will [choice]" Lagay [1999: page350-351].
We evolved naturally from matter over a three to four billion year period of time. We are only the latest biological experiment of nature, descended from a long line of vertebrates which finally achieved consciousness and self awareness and eventually led to language, social evolution and civilization. We will evolve further as Homo sapiens but have the opportunity to develop human chimera and a new species Homo roboticus. A species with a natural consciousness but a designed structure. Eventually we will evolve a new genus: Robotico earthensis. A species with a designed structure AND a designed consciousness. The design of consciousness is possibly the greatest task that humankind will ever undertake for it will be the basis for our galactic phylogeny. “The meek will inherit the Earth, the rest of us will go to the stars”
Consciousness
Consciousness and an introspective ability is the combined exception that sets the concept of humanity apart from other traits of living systems. In this regard humanity is a collective trait of Homo, involving the adaptability of the human mind. As with other traits, it is a consequence of selection pressure. At the root of the development of the humanity trait[s] is logic. This is not surprising for logic lies at the foundation of all natural systems. Humanity emerged in modern Homo sapiens as logic became established as a basic trait of the species. Once logic was established the other traits associated with humanity could be derived: honesty, work motivation, preferential love, a sense of fairness and of justice. Humanity is often associated with the related concept of humanism but humanism is not a necessary part of humanity. Humanism is an educational ideal, one of the foundations of which is the human potential to achieve good.
HUMANITY
The question we must answer is what of our essence – our humanity – should we pas on to our robotic descendants – they will be part of our evolving phylogeny.
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This essentially means the ability to reason and imagine and evolutionary this is a result of four specific physical traits.
EVOLUTION AND THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY Homo sapiens' galactic future
At any moment in time, any race – human or alien – that feels moved to pick up the gauntlet may do so. To whoever wins, the reward is survival” Strong [1965].