You know what they say the modern version of Pascal's Wager is? Sucking up to as many Transhumanists as possible, just in case one of them turns into God. Julie from Crystal Nights by Greg Egan

Transhumanism (or H+), broadly speaking, is a futurist movement with a set of beliefs with a common theme of anticipating an evolutionary plateau beyond the current Homo sapiens. The term was coined and movement founded by the biologist Julian Huxley in 1957.

The general expectation is that in the near future greater manipulation of human nature will be possible because of the adoption of techniques apparent on the technological frontier: machine intelligence greater than that of contemporary humans, direct mind-computer interface, genetic engineering and nanotechnology. Transhumanists tend to believe that respect for human agency, even when practiced by humans in their current form, is valuable, however.

How plausible is transhumanism? In the 1930's, many sensible people were sure human beings would never get to the moon and that was just one of many predictions that turned out incorrect.[1] Early 21st century people do not know one way or the other what will be possible in the future.

While frequently dismissed as mere speculation at best by most rationalists (especially in light of the many failures of artificial intelligence), transhumanism is a strongly-held belief among many computer geeks, notably synthesizer and accessible computing guru Ray Kurzweil (a believer in the "technological singularity," where technology evolves beyond humanity's current capacity to understand or anticipate it) and Sun Microsystems founder and Unix demigod Bill Joy (who believes the inevitable result of AI research is the obsolescence of humanity).

Certain recent technological advances are making the possibility of the realization of transhumanism appear more plausible: Scientists funded by the military developed an implant that can translate motor neuron signals into a form that a computer can use, thus opening the door for advanced prosthetics capable of being manipulated like biological limbs and producing sensory information.[2] This is on top of the earlier development of cochlear implants, which translate sound waves into nerve signals; they are often called "bionic ears."[3]

Even DIY transhumanism is becoming an option, with people installing magnetic implants, allowing them to feel magnetic and electric fields.[4] Others have taken to wearing belts of magnets, in order to always be able to find magnetic north.

Sadly, a lot of the underpinnings of transhumanism are based on a sort of blind-men-at-the-elephant thinking people assuming that because it can be imagined, it must be possible. Transhumanism is particularly associated with figures in computer science, which is a field that is in some ways more math and art than a true experimental science; as a result, a great many transhumanists tend to conflate technological advancement with scientific advancement; though these two things are intimately related, they are separate things. In fact, though transhumanists strenuously deny it, a great number of their arguments are strongly faith-based they assume because there are no known barriers to their pet development, that it's inevitably going to happen. Seldom is the issue of unknowns known or otherwise factored into the predictions.

The example of the singularity is instructive; for a great many people, at least part of the singularity hinges on being able to create a true artificial intelligence. While it's reasonable to contend that the complexity inherent in the human brain is entirely the result of mundane physics, and therefore can be reproduced in principle, singularitarians tend to assume that the emulation of human intelligence not being impossible means having the ability to in the near future. However, singularitarians hit the wall when confronted with the realities of brain development research though a true AI may in fact be possible, there simply is not enough known about the brain to understand its functions to the degree necessary to create a workable emulation, meaning a prediction of such a creation is meaningless at best, dishonest at worst.

"Whole brain emulation" (WBE) is a term used by transhumanists to refer to, quite obviously, the emulation of a brain on a computer. While this is no doubt a possibility, it encounters two problems that keep it from being a certainty anytime in the near future.

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Transhumanism - RationalWiki

The Transhumanist FAQ was developed in the mid-1990s and in 1998 became a formal FAQ through the inspirational work of transhumanists, including Alexander Chislenko, Max More, Anders Sandberg, Natasha Vita-More, Eliezer Yudkowsky, Arjen Kamphius, and many others. Several people contributed to the definition of transhumanism, which was originated by Max More. Greg Burch, David Pearce, Kathryn Aegis, and Anders Sandberg kindly offered extensive editorial comments. The presentation in the cryonics section was, and still is, directly inspired by an article by Ralph Merkle. Ideas, criticisms, questions, phrases, and sentences to the original version were contributed by (in alphabetical order): Kathryn Aegis, Alex (intech@intsar.com), Brent Allsop, Brian Atkins, Scott Badger, Doug Bailey, Harmony Baldwin, Damien Broderick, Greg Burch, David Cary, John K Clark, Dan Clemensen, Damon Davis, Jeff Dee, Jean-Michel Delhotel, Dylan Evans, EvMick@aol.com, Daniel Fabulich, Frank Forman, Robin Hanson, Andrew Hennessey, Tony Hollick, Joe Jenkins, William John, Michelle Jones, Arjen Kamphius, Henri Kluytmans, Eugene Leitl, Michael Lorrey, mark@unicorn.com, Peter C. McCluskey, Erik Moeller, J. R. Molloy, Max More, Bryan Moss, Harvey Newstrom, Michael Nielsen, John S. Novak III, Dalibor van den Otter, David Pearce, pilgrim@cyberdude.com, Thom Quinn, Anders Sandberg, Wesley R. Schwein, Shakehip@aol.com, Allen Smith, Geoff Smith, Randy Smith, Dennis Stevens, Derek Strong, Remi Sussan, Natasha Vita-More, Michael Wiik, Eliezer Yudkowsky, and zebo@pro-ns.net

Over the years, this FAQ has been updated to provide a substantial account of transhumanism. Extropy Institute (ExI) was a source of information for the first version of the Transhumanist FAQ, version 1.0 in the 1990s. WTA adopted the FAQ in 2001 and Nick Bostrom added substantial information about future scenarios. However, with the contributions of close to hundred people from ExI, Aleph, Transcedo, and WTA, and the UK Transhumanist Association. New material has been added and many old sections have been substantially reworked. In the preparation of version 2.0, the following people have been especially helpful: Eliezer Yudkowsky, who provided editorial assistance with comments on particular issues of substance; Dale Carrico who proofread the first half of the text; and Michael LaTorra who did the same for the second half; and Reason who then went over the whole document again, as did Frank Forman, and Sarah Banks Forman. Useful comments of either substance or form have also been contributed by (in alphabetical order): Michael Anissimov, Samantha Atkins, Milan Cirkovic, Jos Luis Cordeiro, George Dvorsky, James Hughes, G.E. Jordan, Vasso Kambourelli, Michael LaTorra, Eugen Leitl, Juan Meridalva, Harvey Newstrom, Emlyn OReagan, Christine Peterson, Giulio Prisco, Reason, Rafal Smigrodzki, Simon Smith, Mike Treder, and Mark Walker. Many others have over the years offered questions or reflections that have in some way helped shape this document, and even though it is not possible to name you all, your contributions are warmly appreciated.

The Transhumanist FAQ 3.0, as revised by the continued efforts of many transhumanists, will continue to be updated and modified as we develop new knowledge and better ways of accounting for old knowledge which directly and indirectly relate to transhumanism. Our goal is to provide a reliable source of information about transhumanism.

Thank you to all who have contributed in the past and to those who offer new insights to this FAQ!

3.0

General What is transhumanism?What is a posthuman?What is a transhuman?

Practicalities What are the reasons to expect all these changes?Wont these developments take thousands or millions of years?How can I use transhumanism in my own life? What if it doesnt work?How could I become a posthuman?Wont it be boring to live forever in a perfect world?How can I get involved and contribute?

Society and Politics Will new technologies only benefit the rich and powerful?Do transhumanists advocate eugenics?Arent these future technologies very risky? Could they even cause our extinctionIf these technologies are so dangerous, should they be banned?Shouldnt we concentrate on current problems Will extended life worsen overpopulation problems?Is there any ethical standard What kind of society would posthumans live in?Will posthumans or superintelligent machines pose a threat to humans who arent augmented?

Technologies and Projections Biotechnology, genetic engineering, stem cells, and cloningWhat is molecular nanotechnology?What is superintelligence?What is virtual reality?What is cryonics? Isnt the probability of success too small?What is uploading?What is the singularity?

Transhumanism and Nature Why do transhumanists want to live longer?Isnt this tampering with nature?Will transhuman technologies make us inhuman?Isnt death part of the natural order of things?Are transhumanist technologies environmentally sound?

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Transhumanist FAQ - Humanity Plus

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDzzEZq-opY

A Poisoned World - Pt 122 - Transhumanism (pt 1) Synthetic Digital Life
APW Vol. 18 - Trans-Humanism https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYNGjvDZYC4I6EDPTMNRlDxbPO40CiGP Download/view the on-going APW series here: http://APoisonedWorld.webs.com.

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A Poisoned World - Pt 122 - Transhumanism (pt 1) Synthetic Digital Life - Video

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Transhumanism: Russia to Unleash Mind Controlled Hybrid Robo-Soldiers in 5 Yrs
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20150429/1021513320.html.

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Transhumanism: Russia to Unleash Mind Controlled Hybrid Robo-Soldiers in 5 Yrs - Video

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Singularity, Transhumanism 666 = www) Mark of the Beast Bible Prophecy News

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Singularity, Transhumanism 666 = www) Mark of the Beast Bible Prophecy News - Video

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BRUCE JENNER, TRANSHUMANISM THE DISAPPEARING MALE -- Sofia Smallstorm
Sofia Smallstorm, one of the most prolific researchers in the alternative news media today joins me and SGT Report contributor Mark S. Mann for a one hour discussion about transhumanism, synthetic...

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sermons of scientism (transhumanism)

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sermons of scientism (transhumanism) - Video

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the truth about 2045 and transhumanism,avatar terminator,ALIEN 5, PROMETHEUS
AVATAR Sequels, His Plan for ALIEN 5, PROMETHEUS, the TERMINATOR Reboot, BATTLE ANGEL, CAPTAIN AMERICA 2.

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the truth about 2045 and transhumanism,avatar & terminator,ALIEN 5, PROMETHEUS - Video

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A Poisoned World - Pt 136 - Transhumanism (pt 15) Transhumanist Agenda With Tom Horn (part D)
APW Vol. 18 - Trans-Humanism https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYNGjvDZYC4I6EDPTMNRlDxbPO40CiGP Download/view the on-going APW series here: http://APoisonedWorld.webs.com.

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A Poisoned World - Pt 136 - Transhumanism (pt 15) Transhumanist Agenda With Tom Horn (part D) - Video

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A Poisoned World - Pt 133 - Transhumanism (pt 12) Transhumanist Agenda With Tom Horn (part A)
APW Vol. 18 - Trans-Humanism https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoYNGjvDZYC4I6EDPTMNRlDxbPO40CiGP Download/view the on-going APW series here: http://APoisonedWorld.webs.com.

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