Nanotechnology, IT and biotechnology are promoted as ‘enabling’ technologies that, combined, could revolutionise communication, manufacturing, medicine and the military. Their power is potentially unprecedented, with the capacity to reshape every aspect of our lives — even what we understand to be human. How can we start considering the impact of converging technologies? Are we at a technological tipping point? Can we shape their trajectories or is it beyond our control?

Additional listening: an excellent talk by Anthony Giddens, Off the edge of history, the world in the 21st century, speaking at LSE in February 2013