I offered that I didn't know what neuroengineering was. You're one up on me if you do know. I discovered that neuroengineering efforts involve ways to directly attach devices to neural pathways (the brain) to help people perform better. Think Cyborg. Think Johnny Mnemonic. Think Firefox.
Also think DARPA and Extreme Black Ops.
The individual had read some papers I've written and determined that the ability for any programmable device to respond to human thought (from our first patent) qualified as neuroengineering. Especially weapons that know their owners and aircraft that know their pilots.
I offered that people are making a choice whether or not to use a programmable device, so ET didn't qualify.
They responded that programmable devices were ubiquitous so my point was moot.
I offered that humans always have choices.
They responded that modern society funnels us into mass behaviors and away from infinitely unique choices.
I offered that being part of a modern society was itself a choice.
They responded that fish don't know they live in water, so the great unwashed don't recognize they can opt-out. Further, the default is an unrecognized opt-in at birth and nobody gets to choose when they're born.
At this point my phone determined the individual was more interested in argument than discussion and took over larynx and breath control from me. My desktop has a very well developed mental matrix of me and is quite apt at conversing in my style so it took over attention, engagement and cognitive functionality.
Thankfully and pleasantly, I had already been shut down for my maintenance period and scheduled refit.
