Pros And Cons Of Transhumanism

It seems like every few month scientists make the next breakthrough in combining technology and human biology. More and more things that only existed in science fiction like mutants and biological enhancements have become reality. But unlike other improvement in our society, the concept of human engineering has become an issue of ethics. As this reality human engineering draws closer-everyone from scholars to

To examine this possibility, Garreau interviewed Nick Bostrom, co-founder of the World Transhumanist Association. Bostrom shows his agreement with human transcendence by asserting that “Technological progress makes it harder for people to ignore the fact that we might actually change the human nature” (qtd. in Garreau, 242).

Transhumanism is the idea that the advancement of technology will better the human species into a more advanced social and political existence, or literally meaning beyond human. There are many ways that transhumanism can be achieved throughout the next thirty years, some of these being medical modifications to the human body, how the human body reacts to the aging process, and those who are included to have basic human rights. Although transhumanism may give the human species certain advantages in their social and political lives, they risk their dignity, and uniqueness.

When dealing with the morality of making ourselves more than human we need to draw a line between therapy and enhancement. Several proponents of the human enhancement argument, or transhumanists, are rather loathe to separate the two for a few reasons. Currently, modern medicine practices several methods of treatment that can be considered enhancements, as there is nothing currently wrong with the patient so there is technically nothing to treat. This includes things like vaccines, preventative care, and cosmetic surgery. (Bostrom, Roache 1) Another is that we treat things that are intrinsic to the person, such as a genetic or mental disorder. We use things such as chemicals or surgery to bring the person to a level as close to “average” human as possible. Their personal baseline of their physiology is brought up to speed with humanity and they tend to live happier lives. However, even though the argument is quite sound, human nature is much more complex. While we hopefully like to celebrate others ' individuality, we still want to strengthen those we see as weak, while at the same time maintaining our own superiority. This is where the fundamental difference between therapy and enhancements lie. While we want everyone to be

Fukuyama believed that once we are able to genetically alter our genes to make humans “perfect”, a rift would appear between present day humans and post-humans. Consequently, biomedical engineers are believed to be getting closer and closer to making DNA altercation a reality. And what Fukuyama says is that the very first victim of transhumanism might very well be equality. Post-humans would consider themselves as enhanced individuals believing themselves to be superior to the present day humans, and thus causing a divide between the latter and the

Both Shepard and Istvan make strong, well thought out points in regards to transhumanism and the implications it will have on society and individual’s morals and “personal responsibilities”. But Shepard’s article holds more credibility, he uses better sources in regards to reliability, and he writes from more of an academic standpoint (holds more credible/pertinent information).

In today’s job market it’s important to be able to distinguish yourself from everyone else. You have to be able to understand how your job works and how to be able to supervise and lead others. In the book, The Tipping Point, there are three types of people that have very specific skills and qualities that a supervisor should have. These types of people are what a supervisor should strive to be. If even one quality is adopted, it could very well change an average supervisor into a memorable leader.

It is difficult to issue a blanket statement as to transhumanism goals. Even the "yes" opinion of McNamee and Edwards is somewhat of a misnomer; their view equates to more of a qualified yes rather than a blanket yes. Thus, the very concept of labeling an argument as to transhumanism as "yes" or "no" falls under the fallacy of bifurcation. The fallacy of bifurcation occurs when we are presented with only two options (yes or no) when middle ground exist (Foreman, 2014). There are good, and there are bad uses of transhumanism. Transhumanism covers everything from pacemakers to cosmetic vanity modifications. Therefore, I agree with McNamee and Edwards that we must approach specific aspects of transhumanism and judge them on their merits rather

The documentary Fixed: The Science Fiction of Human Enhancement explores the topic of biotechnology, human enhancements and transhumanism. Transhumanism, as defined in the movie, is a “movement that advocates for people to use technology to enhance the body and mind.” Individuals such as Hugh Herr and James Hughes support this, with varying views of how transhumanism should be used in society. The documentary also attempts to discuss ableism, or social discrimination in favor of able-bodied people, in terms of plastic surgery and media. Cressida Heyes, a philosopher of University of Alberta, advocates plastic surgery to be normalized for “average” people even though it was originally intended for people who needed facial reconstruction surgery due to accidents, injuries or burns (Fixed: The Science Fiction of Human Enhancement).

Transhumanism is in a dangerous moral area, in part because it has a large potential to endanger people 's rights, and also because it leads us to think being human isn’t good enough. In spite of this, it cannot change human nature. Human nature is who and what we are. We are people created and loved by God who gave us a body, soul, and free will. Transhumanism cannot touch our souls, nor can it change the fact that God created us and loves us. It cannot take away our free will which is central to human nature.

Transhumanism is the ideology or the concept of transforming and molding the 'human condition' through the use of technology. Such technology could be used to greatly benefit and improve physical, intellectual, and even emotional qualities in an individual person. Part of transhumanist efforts are also dedicated to predicting and thinking about both the positive and negative effects as well as the dangers and benefits that this technology may provide us with.

In my theme, there is including the concept of Post-humanism and Trans-humanism. There are some difference between Post-humanism and Trans-humanism. Post-human is the specie that no longer as a human being which means it is beyond human such as alien. Nick Bostrum mention that Post-human would no longer be a human being, having been so significantly altered as to no longer represent the human species. (Roden, 2015, p. 9) Underlying this worldview is a core belief that the human species in its current form does not represent the end of our development, but rather its beginning. (Roden, 2015, p. 10). On the other word, it mean the humanism would come to an end and the new specie will replace human and dominate the world. I may cause by the evolution

The biggest opponent to transhumanism is religion due to their fundamental views on life. Religion has played a large part in our culture, especially the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that believe in a single, all powerful God. Because of the popularity and deep rooted history of these religions, their central beliefs on what it means to be human have become ingrained in our subconscious. Abrahamic religions view death as a natural part of life and as a step towards salvation (if you obeyed the rules of your religion). Pious people hold the view that “… it is the body that will be redeemed and glorified. This is in striking contrast to those transhumanists who see the body not just as a transient phase of human development but as an impediment to future human fulfillment.” (Green) This highlights the fundamental belief of the majority of people on the planet: death is an expression of God’s plan for them that they must follow. Heaven, God’s kingdom where people go after they die if they are deemed worthy, is actively sought out by numerous people as they believe that this is what God has asked of them. Death plays a vital role as it shapes the way these people go about life. Even without the religious context, the inevitability of death is something that no one can deny. Every single human that has been born has died or will die at some point. We have formed rituals and practices around death, like the burying or

Transgenic species is through the use of genetic engineering, another species genome is transferred into an organism. Three examples of transgenic species and their use are spider-goats that have had silk spiders genes implemented in them. This allows the goat to be able to create silk strands and these stands of silk are lightweight and durable. They can be used to create clothing and other items. The second is scientists have created bananas that are able hold a vaccine. This makes it easier to give vaccines to the population. The third example is cows that have modified genes to allow cows to create more milk or milk that has lower cholesterol.

Though the socioeconomic issues of transhumanism may threaten the self-evident truth that all men are created equal, genetic enhancement, like environmental encouragement, may simply be another tool of enhancing the quality of life, according to Julian Savulescu. He explains that health is instrumentally valuable because "health enables us to live well" and "disease prevents us from doing what we want and what is good" (13).