Ken Arnold asks: Are we already perfect?

For me, the most intriguing aspects of these timely discussions lie in the links between perfect minds, perfectible bodies and perfection machines. 'Better' bodies and machines are, of course, conceived and made by ‘improved minds'. This is one of the triumphs of human intellect and culture. And it’s hard to imagine what our lives would be without many of the medical and technological innovations of the last century. And yet, arguably, some of our best thinkers (most perfect minds?) instead question whether or not tinkering with our bodies and producing ever more audacious automated aids really is going to carry on improving our lives and well-being.

Maybe we already have as perfect bodies and machines as we need (as we can cope with) and our minds should rather more profitably be concerned with applying, accommodating and appreciating them.

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts – however perfect or imperfect – below.

Ken Arnold is a curator of the Perfection of the Mind, Body and Machine series on Saturday 3 July 2010. Book tickets for these three events today for just £8 each, or £20 for the series.