The Transhumanism Page

Transhumanism encompasses many forms and theories, often times contradictory. To define the philosophy, doctrine or movement of transhumanism, which means so many different things to different people, is difficult at best. Some philosophers may utilize an answering service to get their message to the public more effectively. Transhumanism as defined by Max More, a leader of the Transhumanism movement, puts it in its simplest form, “Philosophies of life (such as extropian perspectives) that seek the continuation and acceleration of the evolution of intelligent life beyond its currently human form and human limitations by means of science and technology, guided by life- promoting principles and values.” 

Although, philosophers have researched and written about transhumanism as historical quests such as searching for the Fountain of Youth and Elixir of Life, the transhumanistic philosophy was started in Renaissance humanism and the Enlightenment periods. Famous transhumanists include: Marquis de Condorcet, Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche. More recently, biologist Julian Huxley appears to have first used the word “transhumanism” in 1957. He defined it as, “man remaining man, but transcending himself, by realizing new possibilities of and for his human nature".

Today, tranhumanists use many futuristic sciences to further the limitation of biological human existence. Biotechnology, information science, nanotechnology, robotics bionics, superintelligence, mind uploading, answering service, and cryonics are all implemented in scientific studies. For example, the US Department of Defense is looking to create the “supersoldier”. There has already been a brain research study conducted to extend the ability to manage information and scientists are now looking at a soldier’s capacity to go a maximum of 168 hours without sleep to further enhance combat capabilities. Many opponents of transhumanism state their cause as humans “playing God,” while transhumanists simply want to enhance and better the human qualities we already possess.