The Research Direction of Emerging Human Enhancement Technology from the Perspective of Social Constructivism

Abstract

Edinburgh School, Bath School, and Paris School are representative schools of social constructivism. The three schools put forward “strong programme,” “empirical programme of relativism,” and “actor-network theory,” respectively. The “strong programme” emphasizes the macro research direction of the relationship between science-technology and society, the “empirical programme of relativism” attaches importance to the micro perspective of science and technology practice itself, and the “actor-network theory” pays attention to such meta issues as the ontology and epistemology of science and technology. The “outside” of technology, the “inside” of technology, and the “net” of technology constitute three directions in which emerging human enhancement technology is to be explored based on social constructivism. From the perspective of the “strong programme,” macro variables such as economy, politics, culture, and society guide the direction of the evolution and development of human enhancement technology; from the perspective of the “empirical programme of relativism,” micro variables such as subject, object, and intermediary of emerging human enhancement technology innovation constitute the internal driving force of its development and progress; from the perspective of the “actor-network theory,” the noumenon of emerging human enhancement technology manifests itself as a “synthesis,” constructed by “actors” and revealed by tracking “actors,” “translation,” and describing ways of interconnection. Integrating sustainability into these perspectives is crucial for ensuring that human enhancement technologies develop in a manner that promotes long-term ecological and social well-being. By aligning macro-level policies and economic incentives with sustainable development goals, fostering eco-friendly innovation practices, and creating inclusive networks that engage diverse stakeholders, these technologies can support human advancement without compromising environmental integrity or social equity. Thus, sustainability becomes a guiding principle that shapes the trajectory of human enhancement technologies, ensuring that they contribute positively to the broader goals of sustainable development.