Brain and technology: The odyssey of human evolution in a digital world

Abstract

This article explores the intricate relationship between technological advancement and human evolution, questioning whether the progress of tools genuinely aligns with the development of our own condition. Starting with a definition of technology as knowledge applied to production, the text delves into the complexity of defining "human," tracing a panorama from classical philosophical views (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Locke) to the contemporary interface of neuroscience with philosophy, exemplified by Patricia Churchland. The analysis deepens into brain function, highlighting neuroplasticity and how the environment shapes our neural connectome and perception of reality, emphasizing the uniqueness of individual experience and the coexistence of conscious and unconscious behaviors. Furthermore, the subtle interaction between genetic factors and the environment in human formation is addressed, citing current neurogenetics research that associates genetic variations with psychiatric disorders and their behavioral implications. The article concludes that, while technology has driven significant advancements in life expectancy and health, it is fundamentally a tool; true human evolution resides in the individual's capacity to navigate their own dichotomy, propelled by continuous knowledge and learning. The text finishes by emphasizing the critical need for public policies and an Education system that empower humans to coexist with their own inherent humanity, utilizing technology consciously and ethically to shape a dignified future for all.