ABSTRACT

In its fundamental form, the term ‘cyborg’ refers to a cybernetic organism, something that is part human, part machine. However, this can take on several guises. Some would perhaps regard all human beings as cyborgs in that we ride bicycles, drive cars, wear glasses, use computers and so on – essentially we are cyborgs because we interact with the technology around us (Clark, 2002). Then there is another grouping which includes those people that have been implanted with technology in order to provide a remedy to an ailment, possibly a heart pacemaker, a cochlear implant or even an artificial hip. This group arguably have a stronger claim in that they interact with and in many cases are dependent on their technological elements. But nevertheless their technological part is not allowing them enhanced capabilities but rather it is replacing ineffective human components.