What Is Transhumanism and its Controversies?

TL;DR

Transhumanism is the philosophical study of technology that might let us go beyond current human limitations, spanning medicine, genetic engineering, cognitive enhancement, artificial intelligence, and even uploading your mind into a computer. Once called "the world's most dangerous idea," it treats human nature not as fixed but as something we can reshape. Philosophy Tube's Abigail traces its optimistic roots, its ties to figures like Julian Huxley, and why some people find the idea so alarming.

Transcript

[Applause] hello my name's abigail welcome to philosophytube a show about ideas at time of recording the canadian senate is considering a bill that on the face of it doesn't seem too major bill s 233 calls for the government to establish a framework for studying the possibility of a universal basic income program in canada so not doing something no... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛄 Transhumanism aims to overcome human limitations through technology, but the boundaries of enhancement and its societal implications are subject to debate.
• 🤳 Technology can shape our perception and experience of the world, providing frameworks for action and influencing our sense of self.
• 😑 Transhumanism has been the subject of conspiracy theories, often expressing emotional opinions rather than engaging with the philosophical aspects of the concept.
• ♿ Concerns about access to technology, social implications, and ethical considerations are important discussions within the realm of transhumanism.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is transhumanism and what does it study?

Transhumanism is the philosophical study of technology that might enable us to go beyond current human limitations. Transhumanist philosophers write about medicine and cognitive enhancement, genetic engineering, cloning, artificial intelligence, and even uploading your mind into a computer. The core question they ask is how far we can push technology applied to ourselves.

Q: Why was transhumanism called "the world's most dangerous idea"?

Transhumanists want to use technology to overcome the limits imposed by our biological and genetic heritage, arguing that human nature is just one point along an evolutionary pathway rather than something perfect or fixed. Because it suggests we could become something no longer accurately described as human, or "post-human," the idea provokes strong reactions and fear about where enhancement should stop.

Q: Who was Julian Huxley and what was his role in transhumanism?

Julian Huxley was a British biologist who popularised the actual word "transhumanism" in the 50s. He believed that with the right application of science and reason we could solve problems like poverty and preventable illness, comparing humanity to the managing director of the business of evolution. The video notes he was also a eugenicist, and the brother of Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World.

Q: How does transhumanism view human nature?

Transhumanists regard human nature not as an end in itself or as perfect, but as one point along an evolutionary pathway we can reshape. The philosopher David DeGrazia illustrates this with Marina, a woman who takes an antidepressant to shed insecurities she decides are not a core part of who she is. DeGrazia argues this shows the self is not fixed and given, but that self-creation is part of what we do.

Q: How have humans always been "technologically augmented"?

The video argues that technology predates modern humans. Millions of years before Homo sapiens evolved, earlier hominins like Homo habilis used stone tools, and Neanderthals had primitive technology such as clothing and weapons. Two of the biggest technologies, language and fire, existed before us and helped shape our evolution, so transhumanists simply ask how far we can push that augmentation.

Q: Why is transhumanism a target for conspiracy theories?

The episode opens with Bill S233 in the Canadian Senate, which only calls for a framework to study the possibility of a universal basic income. Despite this, people flooded the Senate with calls, emails, and letters falsely claiming it is the first step in a global socialist takeover or a plan to unleash transhumanism. These conspiracy theories tend to express emotional fear of progress rather than engage with what transhumanism actually says.

Q: What concerns and criticisms do people raise about transhumanism?

Critics raise questions about who gets access to enhancement technologies and the potential to worsen existing inequalities, alongside broader social, economic, and ethical implications. The video also highlights a darker history: Julian Huxley's optimism was entangled with eugenics, and comparing evolution to a business you can be fired from carries something the presenter finds sinister.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Transhumanism is the philosophical study of technology that aims to go beyond current human limitations.

• It explores topics such as medicine, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and cognitive enhancement.

• The concept of transhumanism has been both optimistic and controversial, with debates about the boundaries of enhancement and its impact on society.