this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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I know it opens doors we probably shouldn't, but I'd have trouble declining a memory assistance implant.
I'd go total replacement if it ever becomes viable. Full gradual-brain-replacement and completely robotic body. Probably too far out for anyone alive today, but we can hope. After all, at that point it's just a roundabout way to immortality.
The biggest issue is that memory isn't stored in one location. There's certain locations that index memories, but the memories themselves are all over the place. Even if we could replace an area of the brain with robotic components, it's probably more efficient to promote neurogenesis and have damaged sections regrow. We might implant electrodes in the brain for additional functionality, but neurons are so efficient it'll be a long time before we can improve upon them. Regrowing body parts will be preferable to replacing parts, and we'll only add robotic components to augment biology.
I think we'll see biology used in computers more than we'll see artificial parts replace biology. Researchers already use neurons to act as nodes in neutral networks with promising results.
Agreed, but that depends on if we develop those biological modifications / replacement before artificial parts can do 'good enough.' I'd rather live in an OK robot or computer sim than die because the body couldn't be replaced biologically. Although as you said, we won't be improving on neurons anytime soon. But the rest can be replaced well enough to function.