19. Transhumanism
Transhumanism is a worldview that is particularly suited to the 2020s, yet it remains poorly understood. It’s time to make amends.
Transhumanism recognises that a major transition is imminent in the human species. This is no mere change in our economic or political circumstances, but a transformation in core aspects of the human condition:
- A transformation that can uplift and enhance our most important human characteristics
- A transformation that can enable the overcoming (transcendence) of ages-old limitations in our condition
- A transformation that is enabled by the technologies of what are sometimes called the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions
- A transformation that is already underway, and which is poised to accelerate
- A transformation that is likely to involve an extended period of chaos and turbulence, ahead of the attainment of a new level of stability and growth.
Resources providing an overall introduction to transhumanism:
For a thorough account of the history (and prehistory) of transhumanism, see A History of Transhumanism by Elise Bohan, PhD thesis, Macquarie University, 2018.
For general information about all aspects of transhumanism, see the online wiki H+Pedia.
The context for transhumanism:
For resources arguing the case that we are living in “the most important century” see these online resources by Holden Karnofsky.
(More links pending)
19.1 Components of transhumanism
19.2 Varieties of transhumanism
Vital Syllabus 