Transhumanism and posthumanism are movements that seek to use technology to transcend the limitations of the human body and mind, and to enhance our physical, cognitive, and emotional capacities. While these movements hold great promise for improving human health and well-being, they also raise important ethical questions about the nature of life, consciousness, and what it means to be human.

Proponents of transhumanism and posthumanism argue that technology offers a more reliable and controllable way to enhance human capacities, and that it represents the next stage in human evolution. They argue that we need to use technology to overcome our biological limitations and to create a new form of posthuman consciousness.

However, some people argue that we haven’t yet accessed our innate abilities in this human form, and that we already possess abilities that transcend our current understanding. These abilities are often referred to as “advanced human abilities” or “psi abilities,” and include telepathy, psychokinesis, precognition, and other phenomena that are often dismissed by mainstream science.

Some people claim to have developed these abilities through training and practice, and they argue that these abilities represent the next stage in human evolution. They argue that we need to focus on developing these abilities rather than relying solely on technology to enhance our capacities.

While both perspectives offer different visions of the future, they raise important ethical questions about social inequality, human identity, and unintended consequences.

Proponents of transhumanism and posthumanism argue that technology offers a more equitable and accessible way to enhance human capacities. They argue that these technologies have the potential to level the playing field and to create a more just and equitable society. By overcoming our biological limitations, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their genetics, gender, or other factors.

Critics, on the other hand, argue that transhumanism and posthumanism represent a new form of elitism, where only the wealthy and powerful will have access to these technologies, leaving the rest of humanity behind. They worry that these technologies will only widen the gap between the haves and have-nots, and that they will create new forms of inequality and injustice.

Similarly, some proponents of advanced human abilities argue that these abilities are available to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status. They argue that everyone has the potential to develop these abilities, and that they represent a more democratic and accessible way to enhance human capacities. By developing these abilities, we can create a more equitable and just society, where everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.

Critics, however, argue that advanced human abilities are not scientifically proven, and that they are often associated with pseudoscience and New Age beliefs. They worry that promoting these abilities will only serve to confuse and mislead people, and that it will divert resources and attention away from more evidence-based approaches to human enhancement.

Ultimately, both perspectives offer different ways of thinking about the future of humanity and the role of technology in shaping it. While some people see technology as the key to unlocking our full potential (Becoming Exponential), others see it as a potential threat to our humanity and our values.

As we move forward into a future that is increasingly shaped by technology, we need to consider these questions carefully and thoughtfully. We need to think about what kind of future we want to create for ourselves and future generations, and what kind of values we want to embody as we move forward.

One thing is for certain, the future is fast and one way or another we need to be ready. 

References:

Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.

Harari, Y. N. (2017). Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. HarperCollins.

Hayden, T. (2018). The Politics of Transhumanism. Palgrave Macmillan.

Kaku, M. (2014). The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind. Doubleday.

Kurzweil, R. (2005). The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Penguin.

Lombard, J. (2019). The Benefits and Risks of Transhumanism. The Yale Review.

Radford, B. (2016). Psi Wars: TED, Wikipedia, and the Battle for the Future of Parapsychology. Skeptical Inquirer.

Roco, M. C., & Bainbridge, W. S. (Eds.). (2002). Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science. National Science Foundation.

Sosteric, M. (2018). Beyond Human: How Cutting-Edge Science Is Extending Our Lives. Ulysses Press.

Tallis, R. (2018). Seeing Ourselves: Reclaiming Humanity from God and Science. Palgrave Macmillan.

iAMconnected is an expert in Transhuman & Posthuman exploration