I recently was reading an article about notorious millionaire Jeffrey Epstein, and read he had made financial contributions to a non-profit organization called Humanity+, pronounced “Humanity Plus.” This organization is built around the concept of transhumanism, which is explained on the organization’s website as “a class of philosophies 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.”
The organization states it focuses on biotechnology, information technology, and in the future intends to focus on molecular nanotechnology and artificial general intelligence. It also focuses on singularity, extinction risk, and mind uploading (“whole brain emulation and substrate – independent minds”). Transhumanism sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, or the beginning of a plot line of a super hero comic.
One could say, though, that “transhumanism” has existed since the beginning of mankind. Humans have always created tools to improve life, and ultimately prolong life, whether it’s hunting equipment, medical devices or improved housing. But as technology has significantly advanced during the last century, the future of transhumanism does appear quite scary. While average human lifespan is creeping to be 80 to 90 years old, Humanity+ wants to extend life even longer, perhaps even forever?
Transhumanism extends beyond Humanity+’s primary topics of focus. A video I came across on Youtube explains how transhumanism can also entail “designer babies,” where parents “turn on and shut off” certain genes for their child. The article I came across about Epstein noted “transhumanism” is the modern word for eugenics.
I looked into Humanity+’s affiliates and was amazed to learn about religious-oriented transhumanist organizations, such as Christian Transhumanist Association and Mormon Transhumanist Association (granted, they appear to be very small). The Christian Transhumanist Association’s website says, “Using science and technology to participate in the work of God – to cultivate life and renew creation.” Essentially this Christian organization seems to think Christians can join God in developing and changing life.
Quite often I hear Christians speak down on technology as being something that is intervening with God’s will, but these organizations clearly show there are some religious-oriented people who think otherwise. I do acknowledge that most Christians do whatever modern doctors recommend when they experience health complications, rather than rejecting treatment on the basis that God’s will to let natural events occur. I have read about some cases of Christians rejecting treatment with this reasoning, but I would say the vast majority take advantage of whatever kind of medical treatment is available no matter how advanced it is.
When thinking further about this, a Christian could technically say the advancement of technology is God’s will. Continuing to prolong human life or downloading the brain via technology could actually be the will of God. So what is the limitation?
I know many would scoff at Humanity+’s concepts of transhumanism as being wishful thinking, but the advancement of technology during the last century has been so astounding that it does leave me to question what is the potential of intertwining human life further with technology? And how can religion play a role in driving the development of technology? Even as an atheist, I often ponder to what extent of integrating life with technology is moral and positive for humanity?
On a final note, learning about transhumanism has made me think more about this piece from philosopher Alan Watts, who emphasizes the importance of death and how being obsessed with prolonging life is actually a disease to humanity. I ultimately think Watts is correct, and the transhumanist obsession with extending life will actually lead to further unhappiness.
We can also look further into and see that if our death could be indefinitely postponed, we would not actually go on postponing it indefinitely because after a certain point we would realize that isn’t the way in which we wanted to survive. – Alan Watts
Humanity+’s affiliates : Singularity University, Foresight Institute, Mormon Transhumanist Association, Christian Transhumanist Association, Alcor Life Extension Foundation, London Futurists, Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, SENS Research Foundation
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists and Nordic Republicans. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.