ABSTRACT
The rapid advance of science and technology creates new crossroads between life and technology and transgresses formerly strict boundaries. Human and animal enhancements, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence are all tied to the ongoing dissolution of traditional boundaries between living beings, including humans, and technology. This chapter analyses the overarching observations, trends, challenges, and perspectives. It focuses on the major generalizable issues, which lie at the crossroads between life and technology. Humankind is currently experiencing a time full of new opportunities and promising pathways to the future but is simultaneously confronted with severe challenges and uncertainties. The ladder of “life” gives some orientation to human deliberation and decision-making. As probably the only species on planet Earth able to reflect, assign, and take over this responsibility, we are in charge of carefully and responsibly guiding the future relationship between humans, technology, and nature.
