Reclaiming human machine nature

TL;DR

This paper discusses the evolution of human-machine systems, critiques the reductionist cognitive paradigm, and advocates for a renewed epistemological framework to better integrate biological, social, and technological aspects of human augmentation.

Contribution

It proposes a new epistemological approach to human systems design that moves beyond the traditional cognitive model and incorporates biological and social dimensions.

Findings

Current models reduce humans to cognitive functions.

Biological and social boundaries are blurred in modern systems.

A new framework is needed for future human-machine integration.

Abstract

Extending and modifying his domain of life by artifact production is one of the main characteristics of humankind. From the first hominid, who used a wood stick or a stone for extending his upper limbs and augmenting his gesture strength, to current systems engineers who used technologies for augmenting human cognition, perception and action, extending human body capabilities remains a big issue. From more than fifty years cybernetics, computer and cognitive sciences have imposed only one reductionist model of human machine systems: cognitive systems. Inspired by philosophy, behaviorist psychology and the information treatment metaphor, the cognitive system paradigm requires a function view and a functional analysis in human systems design process. According that design approach, human have been reduced to his metaphysical and functional properties in a new dualism. Human body requirements have been left to physical ergonomics or "physiology". With multidisciplinary convergence, the issues of "human-machine" systems and "human artifacts" evolve. The loss of biological and social boundaries between human organisms and interactive and informational physical artifact questions the current engineering methods and ergonomic design of cognitive systems. New developpment of human machine systems for intensive care, human space activities or bio-engineering sytems requires grounding human systems design on a renewed epistemological framework for future human systems model and evidence based "bio-engineering". In that context, reclaiming human factors, augmented human and human machine nature is a necessity