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The same optimism can be seen in self-styled Promethean hi-tech philanthropists today, such as
Ray Kurzweil, an inventor, corporate executive, and philanthropist, who has been able to use
information and bio-technology to merge the human species with technology in order to overcome
seemingly natural barriers. Those who have lost their sight can learn to play musical instruments.
Those who have life threatening degenerative diseases can be restored to a fully functioning role
in society. Even those who are healthy but apparently lack artistic talents can be taught to paint
and write poetry with the right technological assistance. Suffering can not only be alleviated, it
can be outwitted. We do not have to make do with our natural limitations, if we are willing to
explore the world through a new set of scientific magnifying lenses.
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Now, compare Kurzweil with Mary Shelley’s Dr. Frankenstein whose character is
thoroughly corrupted and who fails to meet his responsibilities, both private and public.
First, Shelley suggests that Frankenstein has a parental obligation to his cyborg “monster.”
He gave birth to it in a figurative sense and consequently ought to nurture it and prepare it for life
in the world. Even with natural offspring, the responsibilities of parents are limited. They do not
last beyond the minority years usually, and even during the child’s minority responsibilities will
vary with social circumstances and the consequences of failing to meet a parental responsibility
will also vary. Perhaps the larger question here is what constitutes neglect? Parental
responsibilities that protect children against abuse are relatively clear compared to what
constitutes neglect. Is neglect just a milder form of abuse, or is it more like criminally negligent
behavior in laws governing behavior toward other adults who have no special relationship to one
another? If Dr. Frankenstein failed to meet his parental responsibility, it was not because of
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http://www.kurzweiltech.com/aboutray.html
Convention