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Transhumanism
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Transhumanism is a philosophical movement built upon the idea that science and new technologies can be applied to produce radically transformed human descendants. One typical objective of many transhumanists is life span extension. It has been suggested that nanotechnology will eventually allow for cell-by-cell repair of aging organisms, allowing for essentially immortal human descendants. Some transhumanists are more interested in creating artificial life forms. It has been suggested that some artificial life forms could serve as human descendants because human minds could be "downloaded" into the brains of artificial life forms.
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"Transhumanism is a set of ideas which represents a world view to improve the human condition, states Transhumanist pioneer, artist, strategist, Natasha Vita-More. "We support critical thinking in the development of sciences and technologies to extend the human lifespan, eradicate aging, solve problems of disease, and encourage and enhance intellectual, creative, physical and mental well-being. In this regard, it is essential to be aware of the possible dangers that lie ahead. The examination of potential dangers affect not only transhumanist, but the entire world. The use of technologies and biotechnologies must be looked at with a critical and ethical observation."
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Transhumanism is less a religion or even a philosophy than a general outlook on life. However, it has been the basis of a great many religions, philosophies, and ideologies, at least during the late Information, Interplanetary, and early Federation periods. Transhumanism is the view that humans can and should strive to become more than they currently are, using technological means. An outgrowth of the humanist movement that became popular in the first part of the 21st century c.e.. While having only a relatively mild impact on Earth, especially among the great masses of digitally illiterate and half-literate "proles", it became very popular among the educated and the employed, who could afford the necessary enhancements, and it ... established itself in the orbital biospheres and other colonies of the Interplanetary Age, and was carried with the colonists to the nearby star systems. In each of these biospheres and colonies Transhumanism developed in different directions, as part of the overall cladisation of the human race itself.
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Accelerating Future: Forbes Looks at Transhumanism, which has a pretty table showing what people most want in terms of improvements. Smarter brains wins! Sadly life extension was not a possible choice - you'd think a lot of people would go for that! Half way down the list, 17 people voted for "more physical strength", and they may soon get that wish. Technology Review: Next-Generation Sports Doping talks about two new drugs in clinical trials which are designed to fight muscle-wasting disease. But the application of these drugs in normal people will cause muscle growth - and you don't even need to work out, like with steroids.
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Transhumanism can be interpreted as a progressive libertarian bioethic that goes beyond humanism.... It does not accept "human nature" as a given, but instead looks to continuing and accelerating the process of expanding and improving the very nature of human beings themselves.
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Transhumanism might be described as the technology of advanced individual enhancement. While it includes physical modifications (diamondoid teeth, self-styling hair, autocleaning ears, nanotube bones, lipid metabolizers, polymer muscles), most of the interest in the technology focuses on the integration of brains and computers—especially brains and networks. Sample transhumanist apps could include cell phone implants (which would allow virtual telepathy), memory backups and augmenters, thought recorders, reflex accelerators, collaborative consciousness (whiteboarding in the brain), and a very long list of thought-controlled actuators. Ultimately, the technology could extend to the uploading and downloading of entire minds in and out of host bodies, providing a self-consciousness that, theoretically, would have no definitive nor necessary end. That is, immortality, of a sort.
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Transhumanism