transhumanism · 2019-04-17 · transhumanist ideals embrace change and the future improve the...
TRANSCRIPT
Transhumanism
Spencer Barck
“My God, it’s full of stars.”-2001 a Space Odyssey
What is Transhumanism“Man is something that shall be overcome”-Friedrich Nietzche
The next stagePastPresent Future
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Act 2
Act 3
Act 1
Transhumanist ideas▰ Humans will continue to evolve.▰ Technology can be used to improve humans.▰ Not simply external devices.▰ Biological, cultural, psychological, sociological.▰ h+/posthuman beings
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Transhumanist vs transhuman vs posthuman
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What can be improved?Humans are imperfect
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BiologyProstheticsBiohackingCyborgsDrugs
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SicknessResistanceImmunity Immortality
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GeneticsHuman genetic engineeringDesigner babies
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DeathThe transhumanist final boss
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PsychologyEngineered happiness
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IntelligenceSmarter humansSmarter humans lead to better technology
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The SingularityTechnology advances exponentiallyMan and machine become oneDigital immortality
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SocietyConflictWarFamineWeapons of mass destruction
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What could a posthuman look like?IndestructibleIncorruptibleImmortalIndistinguishable from a machineUnrecognizable
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DangersPandora’s boxRunaway technologiesSpecies warForced evolution and adaptation
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The ghost of humanity“With Artificial intelligence we’re summoning the demon”-Elon Musk
Ghost vs demon
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FearUncertainty leads to conspiracy theory
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Religious/nature objectionsDon’t play godHumans are fine just the way they areNot human natureDeath is part of life
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The cult of transhumanism▰ Promises of great wealth.▰ Belief in technology rather than god.▰ Immortality rather than an afterlife.▰ “Transcend” the human body.
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What does it mean to be human?
When do we stop being human?
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KantianTranshumanist beliefs are universalTranshumanist ideals would be considered goodTranshumanists desires should be to help others
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Act utilitarianWe should be posthumans:
Stopping unhappiness 1+ Becoming smarter 0.5+ Stopping death 2- Possible disaster 1- Possible loss of
humanity 0 (unknown) = 2.5
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We should be posthumans:We get to stay human 0 (unknown)
- People will continue to die 2 = -2
Transhumanist ideals▰ Embrace change and the future▰ Improve the human race but don’t get too
attached to being human▰ Be careful with technology▰ Put aside childish things (hate, fear, weapons)▰ Think as a species▰ Conquer death
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Questions?
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