For decades, scientists have been working towards improving the abilities of artificial intelligence. Yet in spite of all the groundbreaking progress, they have yet to devise a machine capable of cognitive thought. In the realm of the entertainment industry, however, such creations have been successfully transcribed, illustrated, and animated. Books and movies about humanized A.I. are abundant in today’s media crazed world. One in particular focuses on a largely unvisited concept in hard science fiction stories: Masamune Shirow’s Ghost in the Shell. The story concentrates on a few general questions typical to the science fiction genre; specifically what it means to be human, the nature behind consciousness, and whether or not the mind is in fact a non-physical property. It diverges from the norm, however, in its argument that A.I. and the human mind should merge, and in turn be the next step in the evolution of man and machine.
Masamune tends to focus on philosophy and the socio-political implications of artificial intelligence and machines. Likewise, Ghost in the Shell presents many interesting notions that could potentially become a reality in the near future. The basis of the story focuses around Motoko Kusanagi, a cyber-augmented covert operations specialist, searching for her conscious identity amidst her complicated mechanized form. While the majority of the story focuses on the complexities of dualism and notions of the human psyche, the underlying idea that man can successfully fuse with machine provides some very interesting subject matter. Indeed, Masamune’s notion that “your effort to remain what you are is what limits you,” is itself worthy of further philosophical examination.
The majority of the individuals within the Ghost in the Shell universe have been completely outfitted and modified with cyber-augmented body parts. Furthermore, the creation known as a “cyberbrain” provides many interesting propositions for the future of neurotechnology. This improved brain operates much like a normal human brain, but has a near infinite memory and can communicate with other brains through a type of VPN in an efficient, real-time fashion. All of the augmented parts are made up of highly technical artificial intelligence capable of mimicking, and in fact, outperforming the parts they have replaced.
While such a concept is currently just a transhumanist’s pipe dream, the potential for something similar is in the foreseeable future. With the increase in micro-technology and a near global support for the research and development of nanotechnology, the notion of A.I. being interwoven within the human body is not so implausible. Once this happens, the argument that cognitive A.I. cannot exist will be null and void. The reason for this is that mankind, acting as host, will provide the thinking factor, while machine, being the augmentation, will provide the artificial factor. In essence, the individual would no longer correspond to the definition of human, but would act as the system which formulates the artificial intelligence into strong A.I. The result would not only be a conscious artificial intelligence, but the next step in the evolution of mankind.
This idea is something which Motoko struggles with throughout the story. She is constantly questioning her consciousness because of her hybridized genetic and organic makeup. She continues to rationalize her situation and questions the extent to which she is unique:
“There are countless ingredients that make up the human body and mind, like all the components that make up me as an individual with my own personality. Sure I have a face and voice to distinguish myself from others, but my thoughts and memories are unique only to me, and I carry a sense of my own destiny. Each of those things are just a small part of it. I collect information to use in my own way. All of that blends to create a mixture that forms me and gives rise to my conscience. I feel confined; only free to expand myself within boundaries.”
Masamune’s reasons for including such a significant amount of insecurity within his character may act as a preemptive response to future issues mankind could face should such radical changes come to fruition. In general, however, one can gather that the transhumanistic implications portrayed within Ghost in the Shell are largely beneficial. The physical advantages, such as increased longevity, durability, and capability, would account for an untold amount of progress in a very short amount of time. Similarly, the integration of computational devices within the brain would increase the rate of which mankind could think and communicate, thus allowing for improved decision making and reasoning skills.
As previously stated, many of the underlying factors in Masamune’s story have the potential for future realization. On the philosophical level, Ghost in the Shell provides many intriguing suggestions on the human condition and the philosophy of the mind. Masamune is careful to address the ramifications of misused artificial intelligence, but one can see real world examples where, if used properly, humanity would benefit. With the infusion of man and machine, a new chapter in the evolution of the human race would arise; for as Masamune’s masterpiece suggests, to be more than human is to truly be human.
