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 NANOTECHNOLOG Y BIOTECHNOLOGY COGNITIVE 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 goals Dehumanization – What does it mean to be human? Issues of Equality and Access to these technologies Are 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?