Meta, I read the entire article until 3 a.m. today... I feel that your article seeks to clarify the argumentative differences between techno transhumanism and humanism, the risks and the selling humanism to the masses. My question would be, what is the goal?...to awaken humanity's consciousness so that it does not lose its essence?... Personally, I share the ideals and values of both positions and reject some arguments outright, so I'd love to discuss this with you.
Yep, people mostly try to add without removing. While removing things or worse - beings - permanently can end up being a big mistake:
Meanwhile adding without permanently removing can eventually lead us to the best ethical ultimate future for all - with a direct democratic simulated multiverse as an optional video game
I really love this article! All of it reminds me of the concept in The Substance of "respecting the balance" and seeing this agency atrophy occur in real time while I've been working in the tech space. You lose what makes you human if you only rely on the "substance" and don't respect the balance.
I have enjoyed reading your thesis and thinking deeply about advocating for a humanistic approach to technological advancement. As you know I have spent many years studying, speaking, writing, lecturing, and debating Consciousness, Cognition, Reality, Society, and the nature of Evolution versus Devolution. We face serious challenges in agency, autonomy, and sovereignty both personal and societal given the current pace and type of technological advancements, especially in the domains of neuroscience, behavioral science, morality, and ethics.
You highlight concerns about the potential loss of human essence and the risks of dehumanization. I agree with you utterly that we must preserve human values and social structures in the face of the aforementioned rapid technological change. I would suggest that an additional element for examination could be an exploration of the diverse cultural contexts in which technology is developed and adopted. Anthropological studies show that technological integration varies significantly across societies, influenced by local beliefs, traditions, and social norms - my favourite subject, namely relativism. I feel this element would strengthen the argument for a humanistic approach that is sensitive to cultural diversity.
Also, you could discuss the different methods that various proponents of transhumanism advocate for the same goals or methods. Some of them emphasize ethical considerations and human welfare - although I think that placing transhumanism and ethics in the same sentence is oxymoronic. I would also like to see the incorporation of empirical data and case studies in the next iteration of this thesis, to support claims within your thesis.
I read your thesis and opinions from the perspective of someone who is utterly opposed to techno-transhumanism and supports humanistic values that align with positive anthropological and behavioral outcomes.
Long before the term Singularity was coined, Jack Vance wrote a series of novels -- The Demon Princes -- which have in the background a shadowy organization dedicated to keeping humanity human. A true masterpiece that needs to be introduced to more people. A better job of world building than "Dune" and far more pleasant.
Meta, I read the entire article until 3 a.m. today... I feel that your article seeks to clarify the argumentative differences between techno transhumanism and humanism, the risks and the selling humanism to the masses. My question would be, what is the goal?...to awaken humanity's consciousness so that it does not lose its essence?... Personally, I share the ideals and values of both positions and reject some arguments outright, so I'd love to discuss this with you.
Best regards and thank you.
Yep, people mostly try to add without removing. While removing things or worse - beings - permanently can end up being a big mistake:
Meanwhile adding without permanently removing can eventually lead us to the best ethical ultimate future for all - with a direct democratic simulated multiverse as an optional video game
I really love this article! All of it reminds me of the concept in The Substance of "respecting the balance" and seeing this agency atrophy occur in real time while I've been working in the tech space. You lose what makes you human if you only rely on the "substance" and don't respect the balance.
Really, really good article. Congratulations to elaborate this work.
In May 2020, James Michael MacFarlane wrote: "Transhumanism as a New Social Movement: The Techno-Centred Imagination". Have you read it?
Hey Meta,
I have enjoyed reading your thesis and thinking deeply about advocating for a humanistic approach to technological advancement. As you know I have spent many years studying, speaking, writing, lecturing, and debating Consciousness, Cognition, Reality, Society, and the nature of Evolution versus Devolution. We face serious challenges in agency, autonomy, and sovereignty both personal and societal given the current pace and type of technological advancements, especially in the domains of neuroscience, behavioral science, morality, and ethics.
You highlight concerns about the potential loss of human essence and the risks of dehumanization. I agree with you utterly that we must preserve human values and social structures in the face of the aforementioned rapid technological change. I would suggest that an additional element for examination could be an exploration of the diverse cultural contexts in which technology is developed and adopted. Anthropological studies show that technological integration varies significantly across societies, influenced by local beliefs, traditions, and social norms - my favourite subject, namely relativism. I feel this element would strengthen the argument for a humanistic approach that is sensitive to cultural diversity.
Also, you could discuss the different methods that various proponents of transhumanism advocate for the same goals or methods. Some of them emphasize ethical considerations and human welfare - although I think that placing transhumanism and ethics in the same sentence is oxymoronic. I would also like to see the incorporation of empirical data and case studies in the next iteration of this thesis, to support claims within your thesis.
I read your thesis and opinions from the perspective of someone who is utterly opposed to techno-transhumanism and supports humanistic values that align with positive anthropological and behavioral outcomes.
Kind regards,
Graham
Time to found The Institute.
Long before the term Singularity was coined, Jack Vance wrote a series of novels -- The Demon Princes -- which have in the background a shadowy organization dedicated to keeping humanity human. A true masterpiece that needs to be introduced to more people. A better job of world building than "Dune" and far more pleasant.
Funny thing is I'm a co-humanist, meaning I'm both an anti-humanist & pro-humanist...
And how does that work???
Whell, we do and hold hoth anti-humanist and pro-humanist practices and ideals in harmony with one and another...
For example, modifications are tolerated as long as they are done in harmony with the laws you just described.
In the post...
Things you just described in the post because I agree with your arguments since they are pretty right.