Enhancing human capabilities: delegating functions to cognitive systems and/or the path of transhumanism?

• Published in: Философия и культура no. 9; pp. 75 - 87
• Main Authors: Gribkov, Andrei Armovich, Zelenskii, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2025
• ISSN: 2454-0757; 2454-0757
• DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2025.9.75925

The technological development of humanity has currently created the conditions for a transition to a civilization of cognitive technologies, within which a key need will be artificial cognitive systems for intelligent management of machines that produce goods. Cognitive systems will be integrated into all areas of information technology: the economy, society, and the intellectual sphere. An important factor in the development and expansion of the role of artificial cognitive systems is the expansion of their functionality through a toolset of multi-system integration of knowledge, which will allow them to reach the level of general (creative) artificial intelligence that possesses reasoning and is capable of solving creative tasks. In this regard, the issue of preserving humanity's leading role in civilization becomes pertinent. This will require humans to enhance their intellectual and communication capabilities. The research presented in the article is based on the following ideas: the development of civilization, the next stage of which is the civilization of cognitive technologies; the possibility of developing artificial intelligence to a level sufficient to attain reasoning; the delegation of functions by humans to artificial cognitive systems; and the inevitable competition between humans and machines, regardless of whether the latter possess subjectivity. The prospects for expanding the intellectual and communication capabilities of humans have two main scenarios for implementation. The first scenario is related to the further development of the trend of humans delegating their functions: initially to relatively simple digital systems and then to artificial cognitive systems, including artificial intelligence systems. The second scenario involves the enhancement of the human being itself in line with transhumanist concepts. Both scenarios are associated with significant risks that must be considered and mitigated through imposed restrictions. At the same time, the implementation of the second scenario appears inevitable due to the predictable choices of people seeking to expand their capabilities and abilities, as well as humanity's need to maintain control over the development of civilization, which can only be achieved through the enhancement of the human being.