The Future Human Condition- Transhumanism

Researching the meaning of "transhumanism".

The Future Human Condition- Transhumanism

 

What is transhumanism? A quote from http://www.transhumanism.org

 

Better Than Well

The Humanity+ (the World Transhumanist Association) is an international nonprofit membership organization which advocates the ethical use of technology to expand human capacities. We support the development of and access to new technologies that enable everyone to enjoy better minds, better bodies and better lives. In other words, we want people to be better than well.

 

Or http://transhumanism.org/index.php/WTA/declaration/

The Transhumanist Declaration

(1) Humanity will be radically changed by technology in the future. We foresee the feasibility of redesigning the human condition, including such parameters as the inevitability of aging, limitations on human and artificial intellects, unchosen psychology, suffering, and our confinement to the planet earth.

(2) Systematic research should be put into understanding these coming developments and their long-term consequences.

(3) Transhumanists think that by being generally open and embracing of new technology we have a better chance of turning it to our advantage than if we try to ban or prohibit it.

(4) Transhumanists advocate the moral right for those who so wish to use technology to extend their mental and physical (including reproductive) capacities and to improve their control over their own lives. We seek personal growth beyond our current biological limitations.

(5) In planning for the future, it is mandatory to take into account the prospect of dramatic progress in technological capabilities. It would be tragic if the potential benefits failed to materialize because of technophobia and unnecessary prohibitions. On the other hand, it would also be tragic if intelligent life went extinct because of some disaster or war involving advanced technologies.

(6) We need to create forums where people can rationally debate what needs to be done, and a social order where responsible decisions can be implemented.

7. Transhumanism advocates the well- being of all sentience         (whether in artificial intellects, humans, posthumans, or non- human         animals) and encompasses many principles of modern humanism.         Transhumanism does not support any particular party, politician or         political platform.
   
   The following persons contributed to the         original crafting of this document: Doug Bailey, Anders Sandberg,         Gustavo Alves, Max More, Holger Wagner, Natasha Vita More, Eugene         Leitl, Berrie Staring, David Pearce, Bill Fantegrossi, Doug Baily         Jr., den Otter, Ralf Fletcher, Kathryn Aegis, Tom Morrow, Alexander         Chislenko, Lee Daniel Crocker, Darren Reynolds, Keith Elis, Thom         Quinn, Mikhail Sverdlov, Arjen Kamphuis, Shane Spaulding, Nick         Bostrom

 

One more quote: "Humanity has the stars in its future, and that future is too important to be lost under the burden of juvenile folly and ignorant superstition."
Isaac Asimov

 

Where do I fit into this intellectual gathering? Well I guess I have always believed the humans could and should be enhanced... made better. At a very young age, I realized the discipline of medicine concerned itself with returning an individual to previous health or at least a normal human status.

 

So just where do I fit in... at the age of sixty-four, what can I do to help this movement grow?

 

What are the ethics? Does transhumanism conflict with organized religion? And if it does, why? Why would any of the great profits portray a god against improving and increasing the quality of our lives? Is it a sin (and what is sin anyway?) to enjoy better health and less suffering?

 

(to be continued...)

 

 

Author's Note

All comments are welcome, although I would appreciate remarks that contain rational thinking, not dogmatic beliefs... and if anyone can improve my delivery, all help is welcome.