We have always been cyborgs

Michael Shanks

Abstract

This paper discusses distributed consciousness and agency as an essential component of the human. It combines a rethinking of anthropocentric views of ourselves with a long term genealogy. How have people get on with things? It makes the case that we have always been cyborgs. Drawing inspiration from evolutionary psychology and design history it offeres unique perspectives on innovation and social change through the example of agriculture and early cities. This takes in a specific relationship we have with technology and the organization of labor over the last five thousand years.

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