An educational proposal on e-skin or electronic skin from the perspective of the Philosophy of Biology

Abstract

This proposal aims to introduce students to key debates in the Philosophy of Biology through the case of electronic skin (e-skin) as an example of transhumanism. E-skin refers to flexible, sensor-integrated materials that mimic the properties of biological skin, enabling functions such as tactile perception, temperature sensing, and physiological monitoring. From the perspective of the Philosophy of Biology, this topic provides a rich framework for exploring questions about the nature of life, the boundaries between the biological and the artificial, and the concept of “function” in living versus engineered systems. The educational sequence begins with an analysis of the structure and functions of human skin as a biological organ. A central component of the proposal includes guided discussions and case studies addressing ethical and epistemological questions: can artificial systems truly “replicate” biological functions, or do they merely simulate them? What counts as a “living” system? How does the integration of e-skin in medical or human-enhancement contexts challenge traditional definitions of the human body? Finally, collaborative activities are proposed, such as role-playing debates on the potential application of e-skin in the marketplace. The aim is not only to foster scientific literacy in emerging technologies such as bioengineering, but also to promote critical thinking about how biological knowledge is constructed, interpreted, and applied in technological innovation.