This presentation was developed as part of my second doctorate in law and public policy. The goal is to explore how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and transhumanism, are reshaping debates about personhood, human dignity, and governance. The video, linked here, summarizes the key findings from my literature assessment, identifying common themes in current scholarship, methodological approaches, and gaps that remain unaddressed. It also introduces the central research question guiding my work: How can U.S. constitutional and public policy frameworks govern artificial intelligence and human enhancement in ways that preserve human dignity and fixed understandings of personhood? I created this video to share the significance of these questions not only within academic discussions but also in broader policy and ethical debates that affect us all. You can find the full Literature Assessment here.
Abstract
This literature assessment evaluates the major scholarly contributions shaping current debates in technology regulation, identity governance, and public policy. The document analyzes foundational works across legal theory, data governance, political philosophy, and emerging technology studies in order to clarify the frameworks influencing modern regulatory discourse. Particular emphasis is placed on personhood-centered governance, the legal implications of data as an extension of human identity, and the policy challenges posed by artificial intelligence, biometrics, and algorithmic decision systems. By mapping strengths, gaps, and trajectories within the field, the assessment establishes a substantive foundation for developing coherent federal policy responses to emerging technologies and for advancing a governance model rooted in the protection of human dignity.