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| Trans- humanism |
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| Becoming More than Human |
| Extropy Institute Supporting the rapid advancement of human evolution |
| Singularity Watch Interpreting a world of accelerating change |
| World Transhumanist Association Improving conditions for human and technological growth, democracy, and freedom |
| NickBostrom.com The home page of my friend, Nick Bostrom, Yale philosopher and brilliant thinker |
| KurzweilAI The best place to stay up to date with increasingly rapid technological change |
| Transhumanist Lexicon A handy list of definitions |
| The information below represents my own personal understanding of the transhumanist movement. It is not to be taken as an official statement on behalf of any organization. For further information, see the links provided on this page. In particular, I would recommend visiting the official site of the World Transhumanist Association, for whom I am proud to serve as a member of the Board of Directors. |
| 2001: A Space Odyssey Did Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke envision the Singularity? |
| What is transhumanism? Transhuman is a shorthand term used to refer to a 'transitional human', meaning one who is taking steps towards becoming a posthuman. Transhumanism, therefore, is the philosophy that seeks to understand and promote this development in a positive way. Transhumanism is such a new term -- and such a new concept -- that it is undergoing a rapid evolution of its own in both definition and application. That is not surprising. In fact, as the rate of change continues to accelerate (famously predicted 30 years ago by Alvin Toffler in "Future Shock"), we may find it increasingly difficult to keep up with the rapid advancements not only in technology and its applications, but also in our language. What is a posthuman? One definition reads "Persons of unprecedented physical, intellectual, and psychological capacity; self-programming, self-constituting, potentially immortal, unlimited individuals." It can be assumed that these enhanced entities will get that way through the application of advanced technologies, including but not limited to genetic engineering, computer hardware and software implantation, nanobot infusion, possible mind-brain uploads, and other changes we cannot even imagine. Will such beings still be human? They (we) will be posthuman, the next evolutionary step beyond homo sapiens. By definition, they will no longer be human, although we can hope that they may retain some of the emotions and attributes that we especially value. One of the primary aims of organizations such as the WTA is to understand, manage, and direct the development of these technologies in a way that will preserve and protect the best of what makes us human, while reducing or eliminating the worst. What do you want to reduce or eliminate from humans? Starvation, malnutrition, genetic diseases, depression, mental illness, mental retardation, dementia, aging, and death. Also cruelty, injustice, crime, hate, and war. When will all this happen? Nobody knows for sure, but it is likely to be a lot sooner than most people expect or will be prepared for. Many experts believe we will see dramatic changes such as superhuman artificial intelligence, profound genetic manipulation, and mind-brain uploads within the next 30 to 40 years. Others expect it will take at least 50 to 100 years. Still others claim this could all become reality within the next 10 to 20 years. Regardless of the exact timetable, it is the aim of the WTA and other such organizations to raise public consciousness of these matters and assist in the orderly but urgent reorientation of our society into the new age that is nearly upon us. Do knowledgable people take these ideas seriously? Some of the smartest people in the world already identify themselves as transhumanists. There are millions of others who don't yet know the terminology but who are conducting their lives in a transhuman way. On the other hand, there are serious and thoughful people who are quite skeptical. That is to be expected, and it is welcome. Only through a rigorous and forthright critical examination of these ideas will we discover the truth and be ready to act upon it. |
| WHERE ARE Click Here WE NOW? |
| BIG QUESTION: How will "A.I." regard us? Click Here |
| Posthuman.com A collection of links to sites featuring science and technology news |
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