Transhumanism: A New Kind of Promethean Hubris

Area of Science:

• Theology
• Philosophy of Technology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Transhumanism proposes technological means to overcome human limitations like aging and cognitive deficits.
• Significant ethical and philosophical questions arise from transhumanist aspirations regarding human nature and existence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the realism of transhumanist goals by contrasting them with a Christian anthropological perspective.
• To explore the philosophical implications of transhumanist technologies on core aspects of human identity.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of Christian and transhumanist anthropologies.
• Critical examination of proposed transhumanist technologies.
• Philosophical inquiry into concepts of dualism, materialism, relationality, and the definition of life.

Main Results:

• Transhumanist hopes for overcoming aging and cognitive shortcomings face significant challenges when critically examined.
• Technologies aimed at enhancing or extending human life raise fundamental questions about mind-body dualism and materialism.
• The proposed technologies challenge the understanding of humans as inherently relational beings and the very definition of being alive.

Conclusions:

• A Christian anthropological framework offers a critical counterpoint to transhumanist ambitions.
• Transhumanist technologies necessitate a re-evaluation of core philosophical concepts related to human existence.
• The pursuit of radical life extension and enhancement prompts deep reflection on what it fundamentally means to be human.