CAJ: The Simulation Theory – 3.) Transhumanism

In the past few decades several of the leading computer scientists, neuroscientists, nanotechnologists and researchers at the forefront of technological development created a new way of thinking about humankind’s future. This paradigm is called “Transhumanism”. The essential belief is that transhumanists reject the assumption that the human condition is constant. This assumption is implicit in traditional futurology and political thinking. By disbanding this assumption, it becomes obvious that our future offers various possibilities: intimidating ones like for example the extinction of mankind but also exciting ones as the reanimation of frozen patients. These two examples are only a few of the areas transhumanism is dedicated to. 

Another field of exploration is virtual reality. Transhumanists believe that if we can simulate the human brain on a computer, it would be possible for us to eventually enjoy unlimited life-spans and create a virtual reality. 

Transhumanists think that within a time period of seventy years we might be actually capable of letting these things come true. This awareness is what keeps the transhumanist philosophy and movement going. Theorists follow the belief that we will be able to transcend our biological limitations by means of technology and that we can provide a constructive approach to the new situation. Therefore, their aim is to provoke public discussion about all these possibilities and make sure that these topics are understandable not only for academics but also for the whole society. 

Transhumanist embrace the sometimes intimidating opportunities that technology has to offer for humankind. They do not panic because of moral issues that many topics like genetic engineering bring with them. They do all it takes to make it possible for those who want to become “post-humans”. Whether the tools to achieve this state are “natural” or “unnatural” is completely irrelevant.
A post-human is a possible future beings whose basic capacities so radically exceed those of present humans as to be no longer unambiguously human by our current standards.

In 1997, the World Transhumanist Association was founded which is nowadays called “Humanity+”. Max More, well-known member of the Association, defined Transhumanism in 1990: 

 “Transhumanism is a class of philosophies of life that seek the continuation and acceleration of the evolution of intelligent life beyond its currently human form and human limitations by means of science and technology, guided by life-promoting principles and values.”

Max More: born Janurary 1964 in Bristol, England; a philosopher and futurist who writes, speaks, and consults on advanced decision-making about emerging technologies; CEO of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation

 

This can be seen as the philosophy of Humanity+. One of the most well-known members, besides Max More, is Nick Bostrom. In the next post his life will be explored and one of his most popular philosophical approaches, namely “The Simulation Argument”.

relation to other CAJs:

Genetic Engineering

robotics

Transhumanism

Nanotechnology

Permanent human expansion into the solar system

sources:

http://humanityplus.org/philosophy/

http://humanityplus.org/philosophy/transhumanist-faq/#answer_19

 http://www.transhumanism.org/resources/transhumanism.htm