If you could become a cyborg,would you?

Yes.

Replacing/enhanching the original birth body for a better model seems logical.

Happy to see the overwhelimg majority seems to be pro cyborg converstion.

Curious though, would it still qualify if conversion was not limited to the traditional Humanoid model?

Personally, I don't see cybernetics as "perfecting the human race". I see it more as just making more effective tools and helping improve some of our health issues.

For example, wouldn't it be great to replace your heart once you got older to reduce heart attacks? Or get stronger arms once they start deteriorating?

Of course there would be downsides, but it could lengthen human lives. You may have to repair your arms or take a special drug for them to work correctly with your body, who knows. But there would be benefits.

I also don't like "transhumanism" so much as repairing humans. Transhumanism implies humans becoming something besides human. I prefer the idea of augmented humans, or humans with a little extra ability but are still human.

edited 28th Jan '12 8:48:21 PM by TheProffesor

Better prosthetics for people with missing limbs is worth pursuing, too.

Rather than an afterthought, this should be the forethought. Sure, cybernetic enhancements will also help rich and powerful people become richer and more powerful, and allow nerd power fantasies to be lived out across the world (assuming they've got the scratch), but helping the people who are already disadvantaged and often openly discriminated against should be the priority here.

May have to settle for "Helping the Disadvantaged is a Side Effect"

Much like poor people with bad vision today can usually afford corrective lenses but not ones with all the extra features like polarizing, scratch resistance, ultra light/strong frames, or Blingtastic gold and diamond coating. ((Repairing degenerating function.))

Like cellphones with only basic features VS one that can surf the web, play music/video and act as a camera. ((Extra functions.))

Recent history shows us that the neat toys of the rich today are pretty much standard tomorrow though it may only be a matter of time. Till then, only rich bastards will likely own laser eyes.

If I were obscenely rich, and could afford the maintenance bill, then maybe. Though I'd rather hold out for nanomachines (son) or biological/genetic augmentation. Because at least that shit can self repair.