Transhumanism

[gL.edu] This article gathers contributions by Matteo Schlegel, developed within the context of the Conceptual clarification about "Information, Knowledge and Philosophy", under the supervisión of J.M. Díaz Nafría.

Overview

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the meaning of transhumanism and sheds light on the philosophical roots of transhumanism, basic metaphysical assumptions and its ethical conflicts.

In addition, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in realizing transhumanist visions will be explored, including the potential of AI technologies to turn these ideas into reality. In this context, reference is made to the articles Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence (Cyberutopias).

Transhumanism

A first version of the term is found in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy of 1307-1321 as the Italian verb “transumanare”. In this comedy, it means to overcome the limits of human nature by approaching the divine.

Transhumanism is a philosophical and scientific movement that aims to use current and future technologies to continuously expand and improve human capabilities and living conditions. Its central goal is to overcome biological limitations. A particularly ambitious goal of transhumanists is to achieve immortality, whether through biotechnological enhancements, uploading human consciousness to machines, or other methods that could prevent or significantly delay death.

Many proponents of transhumanism believe that free individuals should have the right to use technology to alter their bodies, minds, and environments as they see fit, provided this does not infringe on the rights of others.

Introduction

''Without reverence for life, humanity has no future.“

With these words, Albert Schweitzer warned of the dangers that arise when reverence for life is neglected. In today's world, where artificial intelligence is driving the pursuit of self-optimization to unprecedented heights, Schweitzer's warning takes on new and urgent meaning.

These visions of transhumanism, which are probably already deeply rooted in the age-old human quest to overcome our natural limitations, are more tangible today than ever before. But they also raise serious ethical questions: How much change can humans tolerate without losing their identity?

Transhumanism is no longer just a theory, but is actively shaping our understanding of what it means to be human. This leads us to a crucial question: Are we ready for this future?

History of concepts and ideas

Introduction of the Term in the 20th Century

The term transhumanism was popularized by the English biologist and philosopher Julian Huxley, who used it in his 1957 essay of the same name.

,,The human species can, if it wishes, transcend itself - not just sporadically, an individual here in one way, an individual there in another way, but in its entirety, as humanity. We need a name for this new belief. Perhaps transhumanism will serve.''

In his essay, Huxley outlines his vision of future humanity, emphasizing the need to use all possible measures to achieve human perfection through technological and social advancements. This idea of transcending human limitations was later adopted by the transhumanist movement.

Modern Philosophy

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the superhuman, introduced in "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," parallels the goals of transhumanism. Nietzsche's vision of overcoming the current human condition in order to achieve a higher state of being resonates with transhumanist themes, even if he was not explicitly concerned with technological transformation. Professor Dr. Markus Wild (University of Basel) described the book during a workshop as follows: "Nietzsche's poetry is, so to speak, an oversized research proposal to the future."

Renaissance and Enlightenment

In his ''Discourse on Method'' (1637), philosopher and mathematician René Descartes envisioned a revolutionary form of medicine capable of ensuring perpetual health and enhancing human abilities beyond their natural limits. The advancements in current and future biotechnologies have the potential to realize Descartes's vision, fundamentally altering what it means to be human.

Early Ideas and Antiquity

The roots of transhumanism are deeply rooted in the history of philosophy. Ancient texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh bear witness to this. The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh, the initially oppressive king of Uruk, his friendship with Enkidu, their heroic deeds, Enkidu's death and Gilgamesh's desperate search for immortality. In the end, Gilgamesh has to accept that immortality is reserved for the gods and that life and death are part of being human.

Metaphysical Assumptions

Transhumanism is based on a series of metaphysical assumptions that are fundamental for implementing its visions. One central assumption is the dualism of mind and matter, which was formulated by René Descartes. This view sees the human being as consisting of a thinking mind and a physical body. Transhumanists extend this idea by viewing the human being as a kind of complex machine, with the brain seen as a purely material construct from which all thoughts originate. According to this view, consciousness is to be understood as a kind of data structure that is technically reproducible and can exist independently of the human body. This means that everything we do and experience is seen as the result of physical states. People are no longer seen as beings with their own will and mental abilities, but as objects that are completely determined by physical laws. An extreme example of this view is the concept of “mind uploading”. The idea is to transfer human consciousness to a computer in order to achieve immortality. This means scanning the brain in detail, recreating the network of nerve cells and simulating the entire structure on a supercomputer in order to preserve the original consciousness with all its memories and personality. However, the feasibility and success of such transhumanist technologies depend on the validity of these basic metaphysical assumptions. These are controversial assumptions in the scientific community and are at odds with other scientific approaches.

Ethical Conflicts

The American political theorist Francis Fukuyama called transhumanism

''the world’s most dangerous idea”

He warns that advances in biotechnology could undermine human rights and widen the gap between those who have access to improvements and those who are excluded.

Self-determination and Genetic Modification

Ethical debates in genetic engineering focus on the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility. Personal choices in somatic cell modifications contrast with germline edits, which have far-reaching implications for future generations, raising questions about consent and the moral obligations of society.

Machine Ethics and Artificial Morality

The integration of artificial intelligence with moral decision-making capabilities challenges our understanding of human agency. Concerns arise about the potential for technology to constrain individual freedom and autonomy, questioning how programmed ethical frameworks may influence or even override human moral judgment.

Economic Accessibility and Justice.

The accessibility of transhumanist technologies raises issues of social justice and equity. The potential emergence of a societal split between those with access to enhancement technologies and those without it prompts a discourse on the ethical distribution of such technologies and the rights associated with different levels of enhancement.

Transhumanism and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is Artificial Intelligence?

glossaLAB's article on Artificial Intelligence defines AI as "the art of creating machines that perform functions which, if performed by humans, require intelligence". The article also states ,"Accordingly, the goal of Artificial Intelligence is to replicate human intelligence using software and machines.''

The second glossaLAB's article on AI, Artificial Intelligence (Cyberutopias), provides valuable insights too. Namely into the development and definition of artificial intelligence that are relevant to understanding its role in transhumanism. John McCarthy, one of the pioneers of AI, defines AI as:

“The science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to biologically observable methods.”

This definition underscores that AI not only aims to imitate human intelligence but also to create new forms of intelligence that can go beyond biological limits. This is a key aspect of transhumanism that aims to expand human capabilities through technology.

Enhancing Human Capabilities through AI-based Technologies

I. Cognitive Enhancement

AI technologies offer significant potential for cognitive enhancement through cognitive offloading, where thinking tasks are delegated to AI systems. Modern technologies for cognitive support, such as smartphones and other gadgets, allow individuals to track and analyze changes in their environment, store and update information, and access it as needed. This offloading of cognitive processes empowers users to function as always-updated knowledge professionals, deploying insights strategically rather than relying on outdated or memorized facts.

Advances in AI and neuroscience are revolutionizing cognitive enhancement, impacting memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. AI technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and brain imaging, enable personalized cognitive training by analyzing brain activity in real-time, optimizing memory processes, and enhancing learning. AI-driven systems provide tailored interventions, improving memory consolidation and retention.

In cognitive training and rehabilitation, AI creates personalized programs based on individual needs, dynamically adjusting exercises to optimize improvement. This is especially beneficial for those with cognitive impairments due to aging or neurological conditions.

AI also enhances decision-making by processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns. In medical settings, AI assists healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions. However, ethical considerations, such as transparency and accountability, are crucial in AI-driven decision-making. These advancements align with the transhumanist vision of augmenting human cognition and capabilities beyond natural limits.

The integration of AI and neuroscience in cognitive enhancement represents a significant step towards realizing the transhumanist vision of augmenting human abilities. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize education, healthcare, and cognitive rehabilitation. However, addressing the ethical challenges and ensuring responsible implementation are paramount to fostering a future where AI-driven cognitive enhancements benefit all areas of humanity.

II. Genetic Modification

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing genetic engineering and gene therapy research. AI, capable of simulating human intelligence, has immense potential in this field, aiding in hypothesis creation and experimental techniques. By analyzing gene model data, AI helps detect heredity and gene-related disorders, offering new possibilities for drug discovery and design.This technology analyze large-scale genetic datasets to predict and optimize genome editing outcomes, enhancing accuracy and effectiveness.

AI has also transformed genome sequencing, making the process faster and more accurate. It analyzes medical electronic records to predict patient health trajectories, assisting doctors in anticipating future events. AI's integration in gene therapy has led to significant advancements in RNA sequencing, improving our understanding of transcriptomes and gene expression. Furthermore, AI-powered Machine Learning models aid in drug discovery by analyzing large datasets, thus overcoming traditional computational methods' limitations.

The use of AI in genetics extends to precision medicine, which focuses on personalized treatment based on an individual's genetic, environmental, and lifestyle characteristics. AI helps identify genetic mutations linked to diseases, aiding in developing targeted therapies. This approach has shown promising results in various fields, including non-small cell lung cancer mutation prediction and acute stroke patient outcome prediction using DL and random forest models.

AI's application in genetic modification fits within the transhumanist goal. This technology holds the promise of significantly enhancing human health and abilities by correcting genetic disorders and potentially introducing beneficial trait

III. Physical Augmentation

AI-controlled robotic exoskeletons are transforming physical augmentation, significantly enhancing physical strength and endurance for manual labor. These exoskeletons aid individuals with disabilities in regaining mobility and provide additional strength to healthy individuals, aligning with the transhumanist vision of surpassing natural human capabilities. Integrated with AI systems, these exoskeletons enable the lifting of heavier objects and performing tasks more efficiently with less fatigue, thereby improving quality of life. Recent advances in the field of artificial intelligence, for example, have further improved mobile robotic exoskeletons for motor rehabilitation of the upper limbs.

These developments illustrate the central transhumanist goal of using cutting-edge technology to enhance and extend the physical capabilities of humans beyond their natural limits.

Criticism of AI Usage

AI-driven cognitive enhancements offer significant potential, but they also raise ethical concerns such as informed consent, privacy, social justice, and the risk of increasing cognitive inequalities. To prevent exacerbating existing disparities, it is crucial to ensure equitable access to these technologies across diverse populations. Additionally, integrating AI into genetics brings challenges related to privacy and data security. Addressing these issues requires close collaboration between geneticists, physicians, and AI experts to responsibly harness the benefits of AI as the field progresses.

Conclusion

Transhumanism is a concept that's garnering increasing attention as technology advances. This paper has provided a glimpse into its history, the ethical debates it sparks, and the role that AI might play in turning science fiction into reality. Albert Schweitzer's emphasis on the importance of reverence for life is a critical anchor in these discussions. The idea of using technology to boost our health, intelligence, and lifespan is thrilling, but it also raises significant ethical questions. How far can we go in changing ourselves before we lose our sense of what it means to be human?

As we pursue these new horizons, we must remain vigilant to ensure that we do not lose sight of our humanity in the process. As we edge closer to making these transhumanist ideas a part of our everyday lives, we need to establish clear guidelines. We must ensure that these advancements benefit everyone, not just a select few, and that we keep our human values front and center as we navigate this new territory.

The future that transhumanism offers is exciting, but it must be approached with caution. We are potentially altering the human experience in fundamental ways. This paper aims to provoke thought and discussion about these issues, serving as an invitation to continue the conversation. We need to take an active role in shaping our future, ensuring that we explore the possibilities of transhumanism in a way that is fair, ethical, and true to our shared humanity. Let's keep our minds open, our discussions lively, and make sure that as we step into the future, we bring the best of humanity along with us.

In closing, we may find guidance in Nietzsche's words: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." As we contemplate the profound implications of transhumanism, it is our 'why'—our purpose and values—that will help us navigate the 'how' of these advancements, ensuring that they serve not just the individual, but also the collective good. The balance between innovation and ethical responsibility is delicate and requires a thoughtful approach. As we harness the power of technology to push the boundaries of what it means to be human, we must also ensure that we carry forward the essence of our humanity—our compassion, our empathy, and our connection to one another.

In the spirit of Nietzsche's idea of self-overcoming, we are called to be active architects of our future, crafting a world that reflects our deepest values and aspirations.