Wikipedia

Draft:Transhumanism and Technology

Transhumanism technologies edit

Transhumanism describes a philosophical and intellectual movement aimed at enhancing the human experience by utilizing technology. The term "transhumanist" has evolved to encompass a diverse spectrum of philosophies and concepts.[1][2]

Transhumanism is was coined by Julian Huxley, an evolutionary biologist who envisioned a future utopia shaped by the synergistic integration of science, socialism, and eugenics with the goal of advancing the human condition.[3][4]

At the heart of transhumanism a diverse set of evolving technology that as seen as tools to improve the human condition. This encompasses a wide array of technologies, many mature, commercialized and well established, others still evolving and many that are future speculations.

A wide array of technologies fall into the scope of transhumanism thinking:

  • Biotechnology
  • Tissue engineering
  • Organ creation
  • Human-machine interface
  • Nanotechnologies
  • Genomics
  • Implantable devices
  • Human augmentation
  • Artificial intelligence

Flavors of transhumanism edit

Posthumanism, Abolitionism, Utopianism, Technolibertarianism, Extropianism, Anti-aging movement, Posthumanism, Dataism, Singularitarianism, Technogaianism, Cypherpunk, Postgenderism, Techno-progressivism.

The common thread weaving through these varied ideologies is their shared reliance on current, emerging, and visionary technologies as instrumental tools to realize their respective goals and ideals. This convergence underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of transhumanist thought, wherein the fusion of humanity and technology becomes a driving force propelling us towards a future that constantly redefines the boundaries of what it means to be human.[5]

The impact and influence of thinkers, visionaries and the writings of futurists edit

Transhumanist thought has been influenced by writers and futurists such as Ray Kurzweil, Isaac Asimov, William Gibson, Philip Dick, and Bruce Sterling. Their works, which often explore the relationship between humanity and technology, have inspired and shaped the scope of technologies that are part of debate within the transhumanist movement.

Ray Kurzweil in particular has attracted the attention of the general public with numerous predictions for future technologies supporting a transhumanist agenda. Kurzweil proposed a number of concepts, ideas and theories in The Age of Intelligent Machines (1990)[6], which anticipated the Internet and related innovations. Kurzweil believes that the distinction between man and machine will continue to evolve and blur.

Transhumanism and technologies associated with this way of thinking have a wide appeal, with a number of academics, entrepreneurs and influential thinkers as advocates, including: James J. Hughes, an American sociologist and bioethicist, David Pearce a British transhumanist philosopher, Anders Sandberg a Swedish transhumanist academic, Jaan Tallinn an Estonian billionaire and computer programmer. Numerous organizations and think-tanks exist supporting the philosophy, such as The Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies.[7]

Transhumanism and mature commercial technologies edit

Biotechnology edit

Biotechnology, is a an established and mature discipline, with a current focus on pharmaceutical development, food production and the treatment of polluting waste. At its heart is the ability to manipulate the genomes of a variety of organisms most frequently for commercial purposes. Historically, biotechnology has had numerous key milestones, such as the development of insulin, the growth hormone, molecular identity and diagnostics, gene therapies and vaccines such as those preventing hepatitis.  

One of the most important projects that falls under biotechnology and transhumanism is the Human Genome Project (HGP). Launched in October 1990 and completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project’s primary accomplishment was the generation of the first sequence of the human genome. This provided information defining the human genetic blueprint, which accelerated the study of human biology broadly. From the viewpoint of transhumanism, the data generated from the HGP provides a platform to manipulate things such as human longevity, cognitive skills, physical strength, endurance, sensory enhancements and a myriad of other human qualities.[8]

Transhumanists envision a future where advanced biotechnological interventions and artificial enhancements lead to the emergence of a post-human species with augmented physical and cognitive capabilities. Using biotechnology derived tools to manipulate, correct and enhance the human species are at the center of transhumanist writings, rhetoric and research[9][10][11]

Medical devices and devices that provide augmentation edit

Devices in scope of transhumanist thinking fall into two very categories, medical devices (those that are regulated, often undergo clinical studies and are approved by organizations such as the US FDA) and wearable devices that measure and augment human functionality.

The use of medical devices designed to treat medical conditions such as joint replacements, heart valves pathologies and cochlear implants have been a mature technologies for many years. Technologies that lean more to pure transhumanistic goals are less common, a device that is either implantable or wearable often due to the numerous ethical issues they create. Few medical practitioners would consider the use of a medical device purely for performance improvement in an otherwise healthy patient.[12] The experimentation with non-invasive advancements in wearable exoskeleton technologies for human physical enhancement have been seen often as part of military research and development programs.[13][14]

Transhumanism and evolving technologies edit

Tissue engineering edit

Tissue engineering, a prominent field within transhumanist discourse, focuses on the development of artificial organs and tissues. Advances in this field have led to breakthroughs such as 3D-printed organs, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine. Key examples of this technology are artificial skin, blood and organ growth originating from stem cell technology initiatives.[15][16]

Notable tissue engineering efforts edit

Skin - a number of commercial offerings currently exist focusing on burns and chronic wound treatment.[17]

Corneal tissue - as used in corneal transplants.[18]

Artificial intelligence edit

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into transhumanist discourse has been a significant focus. Developments in AI and the creation of thinking machines raises ethical questions about the potential for machine intelligence and its dangers.[19][20][21]

AI and transhumanism often seen as in conflict, based on how such technologies are perceived, AI as a threat to humanity and AI as a tool to improve the human condition.[22][23][24]

Transhumanism and speculative technologies edit

Nanotechnologies edit

Nanotechnology plays a significant role in transhumanist discussions and aspirations. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, typically at dimensions less than 100 nanometers. This field holds the potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, including medicine, manufacturing, and computing. In the context of transhumanism, nanotechnologies are often envisioned as tools for enhancing human capabilities and addressing biological limitations.[25]

Biomedical applications edit

Medical Nanobots: Transhumanists speculate about the development of nanorobots or nanobots that could be injected into the human body to perform various tasks, such as repairing damaged tissues, targeting and destroying cancer cells, or enhancing a failing or aging immune system.[26][27]

Longevity and Health: Nanotechnology has been a core theme in more futuristic visions of transhumanism, with applications that address aging and extending human lifespan by repairing cellular damage, rejuvenating tissues, and enhancing overall health.[28]

Man-machine interfaces edit

The integration of humans with machines, known as man-machine interface, has witnessed progress. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have evolved, enabling direct communication between the brain and external devices. Notable achievements include mind-controlled prosthetics and brain-controlled computer applications. Numerous flavors of transhumanism identify strongly with the development of such mind-machine technologies, believers in Singularitarianism taking this to the extreme envisioning the seamless integration of humanity with technology.[29][30]

Genetics and human aging edit

Transhumanist discussions often delve into genetics and human aging, aiming to extend human lifespan. The development of gene-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, has provided opportunities to modify the human genome. This is a dominant technological element in the transhumanist movement referred to as the anti-aging movement, also called immortalism.[31]

Aubrey de Grey a British gerontologist is a notable figure within the anti-aging transhumanist movement. De Grey runs the Methuselah Mouse prize for breakthroughs in extended aging in mice. The value of this prize recently grew beyond $1 million.[32]Techniques used in mouse longevity studies are well established, ethical and are useful in understanding the biological mechanism involved in human aging.[33]

Summary edit

The rapid evolution and commercialization of technologies that support the transhumanist agenda have raised numerous ethical concerns related to human enhancement. Topics such as social inequality, loss of privacy, AI usage guidelines and the long-term unintended consequences of genetic manipulations. Scholars and ethicists have long debated the ethical implications of transhumanist idealism. .[34][35]

The past decade has witnessed a transformative era in which science fiction has become science reality, prompting society to grapple with the profound implications of technologies associated with transhumanism, human enhancement and the potential for reshaping what it means to be human.[36][37][38][39].[40][41]

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