Transhumanism 101 with Natasha Vita-More

http://www.singularityweblog.com/tran...

Transhumanism is both misunderstood and feared. Ignorant people with an ideological agenda have gone as far as labeling it "the most dangerous idea." I thought that it is time to bring some basic intellectual clarity on the topic and who is better prepared to help us do that but "the first female philosopher of transhumanism"!?

Dr. Natasha Vita-More has already been a guest on Singularity 1 on 1. Her first interview was both interesting and popular and I very much enjoyed talking to her about her life and work. This time our conversation is more focused on issues strictly related to transhumanism and the basics thereof, so I thought I'd call this episode Transhumanism 101.

During our conversation Natasha covers a wide variety of topics such as: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the effect it had on transhumanism, science fiction and science in general; the negative perception and fear of transhumanism stemming from some more recent publications such as Bill Joy's Why The Future Doesn't Need Us and Francis Fukuyama's Post-Human Future; Natasha's definition of transhumanism; similarities and differences between transhuman, posthuman and cyborg; critical thinking as one of the basic tenets of transhumanism; important writings such as Max More's Towards a Futurist Philosophy, Eric Drexler's Engines of Creation and Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World; her PhD dissertation on human enhancement and life expansion; some of the reasons that people fear transhumanism and how to turn that around; some of her upcoming projects such as The Transhumanist Reader and H+TV as well as artistic events and conferences that she supports.

One of my favorite quotes that I will take away from this interview with Natasha is her call to "Get creative about the future!"

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Nikola Danaylov]

Hi Ava, my opinion was meant for and refers directly and only to the person who called transhumanism "the most dangerous" idea - Francis Fukuyama.

Francis is a well known neo-conservative (his agenda) known for making other faux pronouncements such as "the end of history", which is just another example of his ignorant position stemming from ideology not proper research. Even he himself eventually was forced to admit that then end of history was wrong. That is why I said what I said.

[Stevan Glez]

SIngularity 1 on 1 is currently my favorite show. I'm always waiting for the next great interview. Thank you Nikola for such a smart and deep show!

[ExtantFrodo2]

I'm sorry, but what your primitive barbarians saw in their dream time is of no consequence to reality. There was no "using technology" the assumption was that they fucked. Nothing more, nothing less. People needed to explain how there were such degenerate "people" as monkeys. Their explanation was that people fucked animals. They figured angels would too.

You do know that Noah's flood never happened don't you? It's just one more thing that proves the bible is just fiction.

[Driven Light]

You must do much research to understand this one verse. Try tying what the Fallen Angels did to women & animals. The Fallen Angels sinned against animals. What this means, animals mixed beyond their own kind & by using technology that we're just catching up to. You'd be surprised how many Transhumanist know of the spiritual realm & want to know & see how animals see through their different perceptions. Also, tie it up to the days of Atlantis too. Read much before stating your final conclusion.

[truthtrekker]

Certain rules only appear to be timeless with tradition.

The objective of religion is to keep sending people to death.

This will come to an end as written in the book of Revelations.

The bible states that there will only be a few that ever find eternal life.

So then, there will only be a few who can put this information together and challenge what they have been taught.

If you want to see the truth in life, the first thing you have to do is stop worshipping the devil.

Saavy?

[HybridD91]

White noise.

[truthtrekker]

All human beings are born with Nature's gift of eternal life.

The only way a human being can die is to forfeit their eternal life by violating Nature's Law.

Nature has 2 simple Laws that when violated result in death, NO WORSHIP, NO SLAVES.

[Nikola Danaylov]

Great quote - Love it!

[Driven Light]

How did I know you'll reply like this? lol Have a nice day to you too sir.

[anzwertree]

No problem! I'm really glad I could help in validating your delusions. Have a great day, and may the light of a thousand candles illuminate your path by the will of Poseidon.

[Driven Light]

"11 No one remembers the former generations, and even those yet to come will not be remembered by THOSE WHO FOLLOW THEM"

Thanks for proving my point.

[anzwertree]

“The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places.

But still there is much that is fair. And though in all lands, love is now

mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

I like fiction too!