WHAT ROLE SHOULD

TECHNOLOGY PLAY IN PROMPTING

THE NEXT STAGE IN OUR

EVOLUTION?

TRANSHUMANISM

What is Transhumanism?

Transhumanism is a philosophy of life that is gaining popularity around the world as people seek to break through the limitations that our biology places on our development.

Adherents to this worldview would like to extend lifespans, augment the senses, increase memory capacity, and use technology in general to improve the human condition.

Role of Technology in Transhumanism

Nanotechnology involves

the study of the

controlling of matter on

an atomic and molecular

scale. It has been envisioned

that because of the scale at

which nanotech operates, it

could easily be implemented

within our own biological

systems

NANOTECHNOLOGY

BIOTECHNOLOGYCOGNITIVE SCIENCE

Biotechnology is the field of applied biology that involves

the use of living things in engineering, technology,

medicine, and other useful applications. Modern use of the term includes genetic

engineering as well as cell- and tissue culture

technologies.

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of how

information is represented and transformed in the brain. It

consists of multiple research disciplines, including psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, neuroscience, learning sciences,

linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and education

Potential in Transhumanism

Elimination of Involuntary Suffering

Acceleration of Human Evolution

The Attainment of Technological Immortality

Advancement of Prosthetic Technologies

Criticism of Transhumanism

Infeasibility of Transhumanist goalsDehumanization – What does it mean to be

human?Issues of Equality and Access to these

technologiesAre Proponents of Transhumanism

advocating “Playing God”Effects on the Environment and Resources

(Population Pressures)

Are we Obligated to be Transhumanists?

Shouldn’t Humanists constantly be striving to improve the human condition? If so, aren’t we already aligned with Transhumanists?

What would be your ideal Transhumanist innovation?