This guys needs to take it in stride

[Neroon]

Link to story

Technology continues to amaze me. One of the more fascinating uses of technology is in the way it can give amputees the ability to walk. In this case... even to run, again. Apparently the governing body of world track has disqualified Oscar Pistorius from participating in qualifying for the Olypmics. Why? because his carbon fibre prosthetic feet give him too much of an advantage. Setting aside the debate about whether the IAAF was right in doing this, isn't it incredible that our tech is developing to such levels?

 

[philbob]

yes it is

 

[Hofner]

I'm seeing it in my head right now: The Six Million Dollar Man competing in the Olympics.

Robert

 

[Christopher]

I've been thinking for quite a while that we're inevitably going to get to the point where our prosthetics for all sorts of limbs and organs and joints and such are better than their natural equivalents. I think that people will eventually start to be envious that "disabled" people are becoming more physically capable than they are, and maybe they'll start getting enhancements voluntarily. Conceivably it could lead to a point where bionic enhancements are standard and the "handicap" is being all-natural.

 

[Flavius]

That is quite a story. I hope that will give him some sponsors.

 

[Johnny Rico]

Christopher said:
I've been thinking for quite a while that we're inevitably going to get to the point where our prosthetics for all sorts of limbs and organs and joints and such are better than their natural equivalents. I think that people will eventually start to be envious that "disabled" people are becoming more physically capable than they are, and maybe they'll start getting enhancements voluntarily. Conceivably it could lead to a point where bionic enhancements are standard and the "handicap" is being all-natural.

Well, this kind of thing can also lead to some morality questions as well. Should physicians be replacing bad or lost body parts with parts that function better than the real thing?

And I say this as a tetrapallegic.

 

[Kaziarl]

Forgive my lack of knowledge. What is a tetrapallegic?

 

[TerriO]

I take it you have use of your arms, but not fingers or legs, Johnny?

From what I can gather, that's the traditional definition of tetrapalegic, Kaziarl.

 

[Mysterion]

Christopher said:
I've been thinking for quite a while that we're inevitably going to get to the point where our prosthetics for all sorts of limbs and organs and joints and such are better than their natural equivalents. I think that people will eventually start to be envious that "disabled" people are becoming more physically capable than they are, and maybe they'll start getting enhancements voluntarily. Conceivably it could lead to a point where bionic enhancements are standard and the "handicap" is being all-natural.

I remember a Kurt vonnegut story where the opposite happened. Really capable people had to wear devices that retarded their abilities down to an "average" level so that everyone was equal. Do not remember the title, though.

 

[Venardhi]

Harrison Bergeron

 

[M'Sharak]

TerriO said:
I take it you have use of your arms, but not fingers or legs, Johnny?

From what I can gather, that's the traditional definition of tetrapalegic, Kaziarl.

It means the same as "quadriplegic" and is gradually becoming the more commonly-used term.