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Thread: Transhumanism

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    Transhumanism

    I identify as a Transhumanistic Socialist; I believe that Transhuman ideas will help build the road to a Socialist future. The idea of Transhumanism itself seems to be somewhat scarcely discussed and the idea of being "post human" seems to confuse a lot of people.

    If you arent familiar with the idea, Wikipedia provides a good overview Transhumanism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    So I wanted to ask, what do you think of the idea of Transhumanism and why?
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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post
    I identify as a Transhumanistic Socialist; I believe that Transhuman ideas will help build the road to a Socialist future. The idea of Transhumanism itself seems to be somewhat scarcely discussed and the idea of being "post human" seems to confuse a lot of people.

    If you arent familiar with the idea, Wikipedia provides a good overview Transhumanism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    So I wanted to ask, what do you think of the idea of Transhumanism and why?
    Maybe I'm missing something but this sounds remarkably like becoming a "Borg".

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by lutherf View Post
    Maybe I'm missing something but this sounds remarkably like becoming a "Borg".
    I'm starting to really hate the Borg because that's the first leap everyone makes and it's fucking WRONG.

    Virtually all of Transhumanist thought is centered around enhancing the human condition and freeing humans. I dont think anyone would argue that the Borg are free.
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    Re: Transhumanism

    it's a great idea, I totally back it, unfortunately we're dealing with human beings, many will resist on the grounds of secular and religious greed.
    to live is to suffer-Fritz lang

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    Re: Transhumanism

    I used to be an active member of a transhumanist group (this topic coming up is really amusing as I was just looking up someone from that group) and I like a lot of what's involved, but ultimately, I'm more of a futurist than a transhumanist. I have absolutely no desire to be anything which is distinctly different from human (though I do want a couple robotic components for my body) I just want things to be easier for humans.

    Once you get into uploading and such, I just tune out.
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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post
    I dont think anyone would argue that the Borg are free.
    They think such communalism is the ultimate freedom.

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Check this out:

    Informational Evolution Theory - Long Post

    Pretty much explains my theory on how I think humanity can progress in the future. If it does happen, it would happen naturally as the technology progresses until is passes that threshold where we eventually begin to hyper-evolve and spread rapidly throughout the universe.

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post
    So I wanted to ask, what do you think of the idea of Transhumanism and why?
    Another fad/cult to come out of California that, in the end, will last be seen as 5 people living in a trailer on some land east of Yreka.

    Enjoy...

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post
    I'm starting to really hate the Borg because that's the first leap everyone makes and it's fucking WRONG.

    Virtually all of Transhumanist thought is centered around enhancing the human condition and freeing humans. I dont think anyone would argue that the Borg are free.
    It's because transhumanism is science fiction mumbo-jumbo. Transhumanism seeks to improve the group by improving the individual through the promises of technology. The problem quickly arises when one stops to consider what ranks as "improvement". Left to individuals there are going to be a great many false assumptions and failures, left to the group and tyrants rise and gain more power over the individual while promising longevity, comfort, beauty and peace.

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Good1 View Post
    They think such communalism is the ultimate freedom.
    Admittedly I havent seen much Star Trek, but as I remember, their goal was pursuit of physical perfection.

    Quote Originally Posted by tsquare View Post
    Another fad/cult to come out of California that, in the end, will last be seen as 5 people living in a trailer on some land east of Yreka.

    Enjoy...
    Erm...Transhumanist thought is generally considered to have originated with Nikolai Fyodorov in Russia and with the British scientist John Bernal.

    Quote Originally Posted by JDJarvis View Post
    It's because transhumanism is science fiction mumbo-jumbo. Transhumanism seeks to improve the group by improving the individual through the promises of technology. The problem quickly arises when one stops to consider what ranks as "improvement". Left to individuals there are going to be a great many false assumptions and failures, left to the group and tyrants rise and gain more power over the individual while promising longevity, comfort, beauty and peace.
    I'd consider this improvement



    A lot of it is still science fiction, but we're approaching the point where it's becoming more realistic.

    I think there are many examples of advanced technology that we can objectively say will help people.
    When I gave food to the poor, they called me a saint. When I asked why they are poor, they called me a Communist.
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    Re: Transhumanism

    I think it's absolutely silly and am very happy with myself as I am.





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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post
    What the hell would be the point of all of this?

    I notice whatever genius that though this graphic up didn't include anything on teeth, a third and maybe 4th set of teeth later in life would be a great benefit to humanity. Dental maladies have been a blight on the human race since before we were human.

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Hoplite View Post



    A lot of it is still science fiction, but we're approaching the point where it's becoming more realistic.

    I think there are many examples of advanced technology that we can objectively say will help people.

    Ok....Since nobody else asked I suppose I'll do the dirty work.....

    .....where do you put the batteries?

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    Re: Transhumanism

    There is nothing inherently wrong with picking up some fresh parts along the way, if the need arises, so long as you don't construct a technological terror out of yourself.

    Otherwise, we'll have to maroon you on Ceti Alpha V.

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    Re: Transhumanism

    Quote Originally Posted by Porras View Post
    I used to be an active member of a transhumanist group (this topic coming up is really amusing as I was just looking up someone from that group) and I like a lot of what's involved, but ultimately, I'm more of a futurist than a transhumanist. I have absolutely no desire to be anything which is distinctly different from human (though I do want a couple robotic components for my body) I just want things to be easier for humans.

    Once you get into uploading and such, I just tune out.
    It has recently been discovered that each synapse, rather than being roughly equivalent to one logic gate (and therefore one bit), is actually equivalent to something like a microprocessor. Therefore, it would seem that artificial intelligence enthusiasts have underestimated the problem of attaining AI by several orders of magnitude (in the neighborhood of six to nine, if not more). This means that strong AI will either never be achieved or is a very long way off. This means that humans aren't going to become obsolete any time soon, which I'm sure you'll consider to be good news.

    Human brain has more switches than all computers on Earth

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