Transhumanism: Threats and Opportunities of Modern Technologies for Human Beings
Published 2018 · Elaheh Mohseni
Bioethics
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Abstract
Background and Aim: Transhumanism is a movement and system of thought that supports the use of technology to enhance the physical and cognitive power of human beings. This research was conducted with the aim of understanding and analyzing the current trend of trans-humanism. Materials and Methods: This analytical study was conducted purposefully using the sources and works of the transhumanism thinkers of different countries, especially the United States and France. In this regard, the history, beliefs, goals and trends of this flow as well as various criticisms have been analyzed. Findings: The movement of transhumanism began seriously in the twentieth century. This intellectual trend is tightly coupled with technological advances, and the aspirations of its followers are shaped by the impact of modern technologies. Transhumanism is an emerging stream with limited followers but diverse, which over time adds to their diversity. The thoughts and beliefs of the transhumanists do have critics of a range of different types. Some critiques point to the essence of the idea of human enhancement and improvement, and others are seeing the risks and consequences of expanding these technologies. Conclusion: This study shows that the extreme and sometimes idealist seeking of technology and enhancement in transhumanist thought is far from human values and alienates man to his nature and the environment around him. Therefore, many opponents' concerns are based on the past and present facts of human life and international community, and ethical and justice based considerations, which some transhumanists emphasize, are difficult to implement in practice and may be impossible. Please cite this article as: Mohseni E. Transhumanism: Threats and Opportunities of Modern Technologies for Human Beings. Bioethics Journal 2018; 8(30): 9-22.