Transhumanism: Examining the risks, benefits, and ethical implications …

A thought-provoking exploration of the future possibilities of humanity

Transhumanism is a movement that seeks to use technology to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities and extend human life beyond its current limits. The idea behind transhumanism is that technology can be used to overcome some of the limitations of human nature, such as disease, ageing, and physical limitations. However, there could be a link between self-destructive human nature and the advancement of transhumanism. This paper will talk about the possible risks and benefits of transhumanism, as well as the ethical issues that need to be thought about to make sure that technology is used in a safe and responsible way. [1]

One possible benefit of transhumanism is that it could help people get past some of their own problems. The technology could, for example, be used to make people live longer, improve their physical and mental abilities, and treat or cure diseases. An example of this is the use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which allow people to control computers and other devices using their thoughts. BCIs are being made to help people who have disabilities, but they could also be used to make people smarter. [2] Another example of this is the use of robotics and prosthetics that can replace or enhance human limbs. For example, researchers are working on developing robotic limbs that can be controlled by the users thoughts. [3] Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is being used to analyse large amounts of biomedical data to identify new treatments for diseases. [4] Another example of the technology enhancement is the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which are being used to enhance human perception and interaction with the environment. [5]

Cryogenic suspension, also known as cryonics, is the process of freezing a persons body or brain with the goal of preserving it for future revival [15]. Cryogenic suspension companies such as Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Cryonics Institute, American Cryonics Society, and KrioRus offer these services [16]. Cryonauts are people who allow themselves to freeze with the hope of being thawed if technology develops to the point that their disease can be cured [17]. Cryogenic suspension raises ethical and moral considerations, including issues of autonomy and the definition of death [18]. Its important to remember that cryogenic suspension is still just a theory, and its not possible to bring someone back to life who has been frozen [19].

Transhumanism has the potential to change the way society operates, from the way we work and interact with each other to the way we think about human nature. The enhancement of human abilities and extended lifespans could have a significant impact on labour markets, with the potential for increased productivity and a shift in the types of jobs that are in demand. [6] The healthcare system may also be affected, and there may be a higher demand for treatments and procedures that help people improve their abilities. Furthermore, social welfare programmes may be affected as the increased longevity may result in changes in the age structure of the population and put pressure on the pension and healthcare systems. [7]

Transhumanism brings up a lot of moral and ethical questions, such as those about inequality, autonomy, and what it means to be human.One of the main concerns is the potential for transhumanism to exacerbate existing inequalities, with access to these technologies being limited to certain individuals or groups. [8] Additionally, the use of technology to enhance human abilities raises questions about autonomy and control over ones own body. [9] Furthermore, transhumanism challenges the traditional understanding of what it means to be human, raising questions about the limits of human nature and the relationship between technology and humanity. [10]

Transhumanism is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and developments emerging all the time. Some of the most notable current and future technological developments in transhumanism include gene editing, brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), cybernetic enhancements, artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI), virtual and augmented reality, and mind uploading. [11]

Transhumanism has the potential to affect global politics, international relations, and national security in a number of ways. One of the most significant potential implications of transhumanism on global politics is the impact on military capabilities. The enhancement of human abilities and extended lifespans could lead to the development of soldiers who are stronger, smarter, and able to operate for longer periods of time without rest. This could have a significant impact on the nature of warfare and lead to an arms race between nations. [12] In terms of international relations, transhumanism has the potential to create a divide between enhanced and unenhanced nations, with the former having access to technologies and opportunities that the latter does not. This could lead to increased tension and conflict between nations. [13] Finally, transhumanism also has the potential to affect national security, as the enhancement of human abilities and extended lifespans could lead to the development of soldiers who are stronger, smarter, and able to operate for longer periods of time without rest, which could affect the balance of power between different countries. [14]

In conclusion, transhumanism is a movement that seeks to use technology to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities and extend human life beyond its current limits [17]. This paper has discussed the potential risks and benefits of transhumanism, as well as the ethical and moral considerations that must be taken into account in order to ensure that technology is used in a responsible and safe manner [20]. Cryogenic suspension, which is a specific application of transhumanism, is also discussed as an example of the ethical and moral considerations that must be taken into account [15]. Recommendations for future research and policy development include continued research and development of transhumanist technologies, with a focus on safety and ethical considerations [20], further study of the potential social and economic implications of transhumanism [21], the development of policies and regulations that can mitigate any negative consequences while maximising the benefits of transhumanism [22], and encouraging a broad public dialogue about the ethical and moral considerations surrounding transhumanism [23]. Furthermore, it is important to note that the field of transhumanism is still largely unregulated, and further research on specific laws and regulations in different countries and jurisdictions would provide a more comprehensive overview of the current policy and regulations related to transhumanism [24].

[1] B. D. Ross, Transhumanism: An ontology of the worlds most dangerous idea, University of North Texas, 2019.

[2] S. Saha et al., Progress in brain computer interface: Challenges and opportunities, Front. Syst. Neurosci., vol. 15, p. 578875, 2021.

[3] C. G. Y. Ngan, R. M. I. Kapsa, and P. F. M. Choong, Strategies for neural control of prosthetic limbs: from electrode interfacing to 3D printing, Materials (Basel), vol. 12, no. 12, p. 1927, 2019.

[4] T. Hulsen, Literature analysis of artificial intelligence in biomedicine, Ann. Transl. Med., vol. 10, no. 23, p. 1284, 2022.

[5] G. Guazzaroni, Virtual and augmented reality in mental health treatment. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 2018.

[6] Digital automation and the future of work, Europa.eu. [Online]. Available: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/en/document/EPRS_STU(2021)656311. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[7] J. D. F. Teixeira, Transhumanism, immortality and the question of longevity, Rev. Filos. Aurora, vol. 32, no. 55, 2020.

[8] GLP Digital, Transhumanism and inequality: Enhancing human life could bring dystopian consequences, Genetic Literacy Project, 21-Sep-2017. [Online]. Available: https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2017/09/21/transhumanism-inequality-enhancing-human-life-bring-dystopian-consequences/. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[9] M. J. McNamee and S. D. Edwards, Transhumanism, medical technology and slippery slopes, J. Med. Ethics, vol. 32, no. 9, pp. 513518, 2006.

[10] N. Bostrom, J.-K. Berg Olsen, E. Selinger, and S. Riis, The future of humanity, Nickbostrom.com. [Online]. Available: https://nickbostrom.com/papers/future.pdf. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[11] V. C. Mller, Ethics of artificial intelligence and robotics, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, 2021.

[12] Transhumanism and war, Global Policy Journal. [Online]. Available: https://www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/18/05/2015/transhumanism-and-war. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[13] Reflections on the posthuman in international relations the anthropocene, security and ecology, E-ir.info. [Online]. Available: https://www.e-ir.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Reflections-on-the-Posthuman-in-IR-E-IR.pdf. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[14] V. Shchipkov, Ideology of transhumanism as a threat to national security, SSRN Electron. J., 2021.

[15] Bedford suspension, Alcor, 08-Aug-2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.alcor.org/library/bedford-suspension/. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[16] Alcor life extension foundation, Alcor, 14-Nov-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.alcor.org/. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[17] R. C. W. Ettinger, The prospect of immortality. Ria University Press, 2005.

[18] D. Shaw, Cryoethics: seeking life after death, Bioethics, vol. 23, no. 9, pp. 515521, 2009.

[19] T. H. Jang et al., Cryopreservation and its clinical applications, Integr. Med. Res., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1218, 2017.

[20] N. Bostrom, Transhumanist Ethics, Nickbostrom.com. [Online]. Available: https://nickbostrom.com/ethics/transhumanist.pdf. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[21] S. D. De Hart and J. P. Farrell, Transhumanism: A Grimoire of Alchemical Agendas. Feral House, 2012.

[22] Transhumanist bill of rights version 3.0 U.s. transhumanist party official website, Transhumanist-party.org. [Online]. Available: https://transhumanist-party.org/tbr-3/. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[23] Connecting public dialogue with policy in nanomedicine, Softmachines.org. [Online]. Available: http://www.softmachines.org/wordpress/?page_id=866. [Accessed: 20-Jan-2023].

[24] M. Lacalle Noriega, Transhumanism and law: from human nature to self-determination as the foundation of human rights, Cuad. Bioet., vol. 32, no. 105, pp. 225235, 2021.

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Transhumanism: Examining the risks, benefits, and ethical implications ...