What is Transhumanism? | Definition and Theories


In this blog you will find the Transhumanism's definiton, theories and so on. 

Although transhumanism is not a completely homogeneous current, transhumans and transhumanists worldwide are generally united by the pursuit of a long, healthy and more livable life. And the goal of positive development for people and society, especially (but not only) through science and technology.

The question “what is transhumanism” needs a far broader answer. Transhumanism is often seen as a logical continuation of humanism in the context of current progress and the current page development.

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 However, what is the best way to answer the question “What is Transhumanism?”

    When it comes to the question “What is Transhumanism?” The first thing to say clearly is that there is no such thing as one transhumanism. As in most other currents of thought, in transhumanism there are different opinions and a range of interpretations and points of view. Before I start to collect common topics like most other attempts at definition, it might work better if I approach some of the goals or focused content of many transhumanists backwards:

    What is Transhumanism based on?

      Transhumanism is based on many modern humanistic ideals (such as rational reason or a comprehensive education) as well as the recognition and respectful appreciation of all life - be it human or non-human. In addition, it considers scientific, technological but also social progress as well as a happy one, self-determined and fulfilled life in health, prosperity and freedom, in addition in harmony with nature, for worth striving for; without special exceptions and without constraints, without arbitrarily drawn boundaries or ideological restrictions.

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      In the face of an ever faster and more profoundly changing human environment, transhumanism recognizes the radical and far-reaching changes in the nature and possibilities of life through research, science and technology as well as the importance and opportunities of a globally networked, heterogeneous world community. It is therefore committed to researching current and expected future developments as well as their effects rationally and systematically and considering them in future planning so that their possibilities can be used meaningfully for society and responsible decisions can be made with foresight. Transhumanism is also, and precisely for that reason, defined by a diverse, social and liberal community that is both the basis and the goal of empowerment and development.

      Taking into account possible risks and ethical aspects, transhumanism, in the sense of an “obligation to progress”, advocates expanding the limits of human possibilities with new technological processes and scientific knowledge. This should enable every person in the future to individually improve their quality of life as well as to determine their physical and mental abilities themselves and to be able to overcome basic human limitations.

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      •  What ideals and goals does Transhumanism pursue?

      Most transhumanists use values ​​such as equality, freedom and equal opportunities as such a fundamental and given basis that they are seldom formulated explicitly. Very few strive for a world in which a few own everything and the rest of the people have to live as quasi-slaves. Even if this is a gladly made accusation of many critics.

      On the contrary, some of the most influential proponents or supporters of transhumanism devote their life's work to helping so many people improve their lives as quickly and as comprehensively as possible. For example, many people are working to extend the natural lifespan, as nobody on earth would like to watch the death of relatives or their own helplessly. Some are working on the full range of current problems and their quick resolution. Others are working to make mankind the first known interstellar species ,and still others use all their knowledge and abilities to enable everyone to realize such projects themselves .

      • The Technological Singularity

      The term “technological singularity” is often used in connection with transhumanism. Here, however, the opinions of many transhuman minds differ greatly. Opinions on the technological singularity begin with “The goal that we have to achieve as quickly as possible, at all costs ". They range from “A goal that needs to be achieved, but in well-considered and possibly regulated channels ” to “ It is likely that it will occur in the next few decades, and because of the positive opportunities resulting from it, we should have this opportunity perceive accordingly ".

       

      In addition, even the exact content of this technological singularity is often debated. Most transhumanists understand this as an event in which technology develops itself faster than the (unchanged) person can still follow it, let alone understand it. However, there are also other interpretations, for example that technology changes the world itself or the complexity of it so quickly or strongly that fewer and fewer people are able to follow this change.

      Transhumanism is based on many modern humanistic ideals as well as the recognition and respectful appreciation of all life - be it human or non-human.In the face of an ever faster and more profoundly changing human environment, transhumanism recognizes the radical changes in the nature and possibilities of life through science and technology. Taking into account possible risks and ethical aspects, transhumanism, in the sense of an “obligation to progress”, advocates expanding the limits of human possibilities with new technological processes and scientific knowledge. This should enable every person in the future to individually improve their quality of life as well as to determine their physical and mental abilities themselves and to be able to overcome basic human limitations.

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      Author: Gamze Özdemir