Transhumanist

Transhumanism is a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the enhancement of the human condition by developing and making widely available sophisticated technologies to greatly enhance human intellect and physiology. Transhumanist thinkers study the potential benefits and dangers of emerging technologies that could overcome fundamental human limitations as well as the ethical limitations of using such technologies. The most common transhumanist thesis is that human beings may eventually be able to transform themselves into different beings with abilities so greatly expanded from the natural condition as to merit the label of posthuman beings.

History

The term "transhumanism" was coined by biologist Julian Huxley in 1957, who defined it as "man remaining man, but transcending himself, by realizing new possibilities of and for his human nature." The idea, however, has roots in earlier thinkers, such as the 19th-century Nietzschean idea of the Übermensch, and in technological advances of the early 20th century.

Philosophy and ethics

Transhumanism shares many elements of humanism, including a respect for reason and science, a commitment to progress, and a valuing of human (or transhuman) existence in this life. Transhumanism differs from humanism in recognizing and anticipating the radical alterations in the nature and possibilities of our lives resulting from various sciences and technologies.

Technologies

Transhumanist philosophers argue that there not only exists a perfectionist ethical imperative for humans to strive for progress and improvement of the human condition but that it is possible and desirable for humanity to enter a transhuman phase of existence, in which humans enhance themselves beyond what is naturally human. In such a phase, natural evolution would be replaced with deliberate change.

Criticisms

Critics of transhumanism often question its feasibility, ethics, and metaphysical assumptions. Some critics argue that transhumanism's goals are unrealistic, while others argue that the pursuit of a post-human state fundamentally devalues human life.

See also

• Posthumanism
• Technological singularity
• Cybernetics
• Artificial intelligence

External links

• World Transhumanist Association

Transhumanist Resources
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