The Transhumanism Movement: How Technology is Forging a New Human Future
The transhumanism movement, a 21st-century phenomenon driven by cutting-edge science and technology, is ushering in a new era of life that many thought inconceivable not so long ago. This field of study is captivating attention across the world, as people in many walks of life are realizing the potential for changing the human experience in countless ways. Here, we will examine the history and progress of transhumanism, explore what the movement is attempting to achieve, and consider some of the main challenges it faces.
What is Transhumanism?
Transhumanism is a philosophical movement built around the idea that the use of technology can enhance the human condition. This can mean anything from improving mental or physical capacities, to potentially extending the lifespan, or even modifying the human body to become more machine-like. In other words, it's the concept of using technology to elevate the biological product of evolution, and to fundamentally change what it means to be human.
The History of Transhumanism
Though its current manifestation is relatively new, the concept of using science to modify the human body has been around for centuries. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and the Egyptians have experimented with drugs and potions to supposedly enhance their strength, health, and capabilities. In the early 20th century, various scientists began to develop ideas about technologically augmenting the human body, and the term “transhumanism” was first coined in the 1950s.
The modern transhumanism movement arose in the 1990s, and since then it has gained momentum all over the world, with conferences and workshops held on the subject and a countless number of scholarly articles and books