9783796552366_LP

POSTHUMAN STUDIES 07

CLASSICAL VS. EUROTRANSHUMANISM ANTAGONISM OR CONVERGENCE? ANDREI NUTAS (ED.)

Posthuman Studies

Stefan Lorenz Sorgner (ed.)

Volume 7

Andrei Nutas (ed.)

Classical vs. EuroTranshumanism Antagonism or Convergence?

Schwabe Verlag

Funded by Quantum Civilisation

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Contents

Andrei Nutas: Foreword. Navigating the Currents of Transhumanism . . .

7

Part 1: Setting the Stage Natasha Vita-More: Origins of Transhumanism—Onward . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Stefan Lorenz Sorgner: Brave New Human . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39

Russell Blackford: Building a Bridge. Sorgner and Euro-Transhumanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

49

Part 2: Exploring the Divide: Core Concepts Roberto Manzocco: On the Usefulness of Euro-Transhumanism for the Classical Transhumanist Movement and Its Goal of an Unlimited Lifespan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73

Aura Elena Schussler: Suffering, Pain, and Pleasure—A Classic and Euro-Transhumanist Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

83

Maurizio Balistreri: Techno-Utopia vs. Visions of Pluralities of Flourishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

105

Part 3: Philosophical Frameworks and Critiques Andrei Nutas: Developing Euro-Transhumanism’s Naturalist Stance . . .

125

David Edward Rose: Bridges and Unlikely Heroes. Liberal Postmodern Transhumanism(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

143

Amara Esther Chimakonam: Ezumezu. A Trivalent Logical Framework for Grounding Stefan Sorgner’s Metahumanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

163

Nicolás Antonio Rojas-Cortés: Is It Possible to Overcome Classic Transhumanism as an Expression of Capitalist Realism? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

181

Alexander Thomas: On Social Democracy in Sorgner’s Euro-Transhumanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

205

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Contents

Part 4: Expanding Perspectives Mariano Rodríguez González: A Problem for Transhumanists . . . . . . . . .

231

Marius Markuckas: Contemplating Transhumanism. Disability, Artistic Research, and the Limits of Reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

247

Steve Fuller: On the Triumph of Art over Culture. Taking Seriously the ‘Trans’ in Transhumanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

271

Hureyre Kam: Between Silicon and Spirit. Navigating Muslim Thought at the Crossroads of Eurotranshumanism and Posthumanism . . . . . . . . . . . .

281

About the Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Foreword Navigating the Currents of Transhumanism Andrei Nutas

The notion that humanity can, and perhaps should, use technology to transcend its biological limitations is no longer confined to the rarefied pages of science fiction or the esoteric discussions of futurist circles. Transhumanism, the intel­ lectual and cultural movement advocating the ethical enhancement of human capacities, has undeniably entered the mainstream consciousness, propelled by high-profile advocates like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Ray Kurzweil, whose pronouncements and investments signal a growing cultural and economic sig­ nificance. Simultaneously, accelerating advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and neuroscience bring con­ cepts once deemed fantastical—radical life extension, cognitive augmentation, seamless brain-computer interfaces, even the potential for mind uploading— ever closer to tangible reality. We stand at a pivotal moment in human history, perhaps even on the cusp of a posthuman future, contemplating possibilities where the very definition of “human” might be intentionally and irrevocably reshaped by the tools we create. This transition demands not only technical prowess but profound philosophical reflection. Yet, beneath the surface of this increasingly influential movement lies a landscape of deep philosophical diver­ gence. Transhumanism is not a monolith; it encompasses a wide spectrum of thought, harboring conflicting ontological assumptions about the nature of re­ ality, divergent epistemological views on how we know the world, contrasting ethical frameworks for guiding action, and disparate political visions regarding the ideal trajectory for humanity’s future. Understanding these internal ten­ sions is crucial, as the philosophical assumptions underpinning different strands of transhumanism will inevitably shape the technologies developed, the applications pursued, and the societal structures that emerge. This volume, Classical Transhumanism vs Euro-Transhumanism: Antagonism or Conver­ gence?, embarks on the vital task of mapping and analyzing the most significant fault line within this complex landscape: the tension between the two dominant camps known as Classical Transhumanism and Euro-Transhumanism. Recog­ nizing the profound implications of this internal debate, this collection offers the first book-length examination dedicated specifically to dissecting the philo­ sophical foundations, core disagreements, potential points of contact, and over­ arching significance of the dialogue between these influential schools of thought. The chapters gathered here, penned by leading thinkers deeply en­

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gaged in this ongoing conversation, systematically explore the differences and potential convergences across a range of critical domains—from fundamental questions about the nature of being and knowledge to ethical considerations, political leanings, assessments of specific technologies, and visions for the deep future. Our goal extends beyond merely highlighting antagonism; we seek to foster constructive dialogue, identify shared values often obscured by polemics, and explore the possibility of integrating complementary insights (such as Hur­ eyre Kam’s engagement with Islamic theology) to cultivate a more reflective, robust, ethically grounded, and socially conscious approach to the profound project of human enhancement.

At the heart of this volume lies the contrast between two distinct, though sometimes overlapping, philosophical streams, each with its own historical lin­ eage, core assumptions, and characteristic concerns. Classical Transhumanism (CT) represents the culturally, economically, and politically most dominant form of transhumanism, belonging firmly to Anglo-American culture and drawing upon its dominant ethical, philosophical, and scientific paradigms. It traces its lineage to the universalist aspirations of the Enlightenment, the empir­ ical rigor of scientific rationalism, and a deep-seated optimism regarding tech­ nological progress, seeing transhumanism explicitly in line with Enlightenment ideals. This perspective champions a worldview grounded in an objectivist on­ tology, viewing reality as independently existing and ultimately decipherable through scientific inquiry, and claims that certain philosophical insights, as well as specific values and norms, are objectively and universally valid. Its ethical framework typically affirms a version of ethical utilitarianism, upholding what Sorgner terms a “Hyper-Renaissance ideal of perfection.” This philosophical foundation often leads to a markedly optimistic, sometimes overtly utopian, outlook on technology’s potential to solve fundamental human problems, in­ cluding aging, disease, cognitive limitations, and even involuntary death itself.

Key themes resonating within CT, explored in various chapters herein, include the vigorous pursuit of radical life extension or “a-mortality,” aiming for indefi­ nite lifespans through biotechnological intervention (a central topic analyzed by Roberto Manzocco); the anticipation, and sometimes active pursuit, of artificial superintelligence (ASI) capable of vastly exceeding human cognitive abilities; the exploration of mind uploading as a path to substrate independence and po­ tential immortality; and a strong emphasis on individual morphological free­ dom, the fundamental right to modify one’s own body and mind using technol­ ogy, a principle foundational overview and defense of which is provided by Natasha Vita-More. Politically, CT has often gravitated towards libertarian ide­ als, emphasizing individual autonomy, free markets, and minimal regulatory in­ terference in technological development and personal enhancement choices.

However, this orientation has drawn criticism, such as that leveled by Nicolás Antonio Rojas-Cortés, who frames CT as potentially embodying a form of

Foreword

“capitalist realism,” focused on perpetual growth, potentially exacerbating so­ cio-economic inequalities, and promoting a specific, culturally-bound set of val­ ues under the guise of universal progress. Furthermore, CT holds that overcom­ ing suffering should be our primary goal a position notably championed by David Pearce’s “abolitionist project” and critically examined by Aura Schussler.

CT also upholds several versions of utopias, including longtermism, alongside grand techno-utopian visions of overcoming all biological constraints critiqued

by Maurizio Balistreri, highlighting its often radical departure from traditional conceptions of the human condition.

In counterpoint, Euro-Transhumanism (ET) finds its intellectual ground­ ing more firmly in continental European philosophy, drawing significant inspi­ ration from thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and actively engaging with the critical perspectives of postmodernism and poststructuralism. Stefan Lorenz Sorgner is widely recognized as the central figure credited with articulating and championing this perspective, explicitly aiming to bridge the perceived gap be­ tween continental thought’s critical insights and transhumanism’s forwardlooking technological aspirations. ET typically favors a perspectival epistemolo­ gy, heavily influenced by Nietzsche, regarding philosophical perspectivism as the most plausible way to interpret philosophical and ethical judgements. In contrast to CT’s optimistic worldview, ET adheres to a Buddhist understanding of Dukkha, recognizing that suffering arises from our having wants, desires, and longings, which informs a philosophical pessimism. Its ethical framework fa­ vors a hermeneutic ethics that is more considerate of cultural contexts, empha­ sizing concepts like becoming, relationality, and the co-evolution of humanity with technology, art, and culture, rather than viewing technology as a mere tool for overcoming a static human nature. Stefan Lorenz Sorgners own chapter lays out this vision, emphasizing our inherent interconnectedness and rejecting simplistic dualisms. As Russell Blackford meticulously details in his contribu­ tion, ET consciously distinguishes itself through a non-utopian, non-dualistic, and non-essentialist approach, wary of grand narratives and totalizing solu­ tions. This manifests in several key thematic divergences from CT: ET often prioritizes increasing healthspan (the period of healthy life) over the pursuit of indefinite lifespan or immortality (Manzocco explores this contrast); it express­ es considerable skepticism about the near-term feasibility or even the ultimate desirability of radical goals like mind uploading and the creation of uncontrol­ lable artificial general superintelligence. Where CT stresses the risks associated with superintelligence, ET regards it as highly unlikely that an artificial intelli­ gence will pose existential threats in the near future. Crucially, ET recognizes the inevitability of suffering, and hence stresses that we should focus on realistic goals by trying to successfully deal with some of our most central challenges and it places a much greater emphasis on the embodied, material, and socially embedded nature of human existence. This perspective is encapsulated in

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Sorgner’s claim, “We have always been cyborgs,” which, due to our being psy­ chophysiological entities, renders it highly unlikely that the singularity is near.

Where CT focuses on a silicon-based transhumanism anticipating mind uploading within decades, ET represents a carbon-based transhumanism that views human-technology integration not as a future prospect but as an ongoing historical reality. The philosophical underpinnings of ET are further explored in depth by Andrei Nutas, who critically examines the appropriate naturalist stance for this school, ultimately advocating for a pragmatic naturalism that avoids both reductive scientism and paralyzing relativism. Further deepening the philosophical inquiry, Amara Esther Chimakonam proposes Ezumezu, an African trivalent logic, as a potentially more suitable framework than traditional binary Aristotelian logic for capturing the nuances of ET’s relational ontology and its attempt (via Sorgner’s concept of “metahumanism”) to mediate between transhumanism and posthumanism. Politically, ET often leans towards social democratic values, advocating for greater public discourse, democratic regula­ tion, and collective oversight of technological development to ensure equitable access and mitigate potential societal harms, a theme critically examined in Alexander Thomas’s chapter, which probes the coherence and depth of ET’s engagement with political economy. The critical engagement with Enlighten­ ment universalism, the exploration of postmodern liberalism as a potential framework (David Edward Rose), and the focus on Verstehen (understanding) as a fundamental ontological category rather than mere cognitive processing (Mariano Rodríguez González) also resonate strongly within this Europeaninflected camp. Even the very notion of a geographical or cultural split is chal­ lenged from within the broader discourse, as Steve Fuller offers a critique argu­ ing for the inherent universalism of transhumanist aspirations, suggesting the “Euro”-distinction might be misleading or counterproductive. This complex web of influences and positions highlights ET as a critical, historically con­ scious, and often more cautious counterpoint to the perceived techno-optimism of CT. The divergence between these schools, therefore, is not superficial but deeply rooted in contrasting philosophical traditions and worldviews, manifest­ ing in their approaches to nearly every key transhumanist theme: the meaning and value of suffering (Schussler), the confrontation with mortality (Manzoc­ co), the pathways and pitfalls of moral enhancement (Balistreri), the appropri­ ate role of the state and economic structures (Thomas, Rojas-Cortés), the very nature of consciousness and the possibility of its separation from biological sub­ strates (González), and the fundamental logical and ethical frameworks re­ quired to navigate our rapidly approaching technological future (Nutas, Rose, Chimakonam).

Understanding this contemporary divide necessitates acknowledging its complex historical roots. The seeds of Classical Transhumanism lie deep in the Enlightenment’s unwavering confidence in reason, science, and inevitable hu­

Foreword

man progress, powerfully exemplified by Condorcet’s vision of humanity’s staged ascent towards perfection. Darwin’s theory of evolution, though focused on the past, provided a potent conceptual framework (adaptation, fitness, selec­ tion) that intellectuals like Julian Huxley repurposed prospectively, envisioning an “evolutionary humanism” where humanity actively steers its own develop­ ment through rational ethics and scientific intervention. This lineage, empha­ sizing universal values and scientific optimism, flows directly into CT. Early 20th-century science fiction, alongside serious scientific proposals from respect­ ed figures like J.B.S. Haldane, J.D. Bernal, and H.J. Muller (who explored radi­ cal enhancements like eugenics, cryonics, and human-machine merging) lent crucial scientific plausibility to the futurist dreams that continue to animate the classical wing. However, the 19th century also witnessed the emergence of Frie­ drich Nietzsche, a figure whose complex legacy looms large over Euro-Transhu­ manism. His powerful call for Überwindung (“self-overcoming”) and his tren­ chant critique of Enlightenment humanism and its perceived “slave morality” prefigured key themes in ET, particularly its emphasis on becoming and its skepticism towards universal ethics, even as ET proponents typically disavow his more elitist or authoritarian implications. Concurrently, a counter-narrative of caution emerged. Dystopian warnings about unchecked biotechnology, vivid­ ly portrayed in H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau and echoed in the works of early 20th-century French thinkers like Anatole France and J.H. Rosny, sounded cautionary notes about the potential for technology to undermine hu­ man dignity, a concern that resonates deeply within ET’s more critical stance.

The mid-20th century brought Norbert Wiener’s pioneering work in cybernet­ ics; while his analysis of humans and machines as information processors in­ spired visions of human-machine integration and mind uploading central to CT, Wiener himself, particularly in God and Golem, Inc., expressed profound prescient warnings about the societal impacts and ethical complexities of au­ tonomous technologies, foreshadowing the need for the kind of cautious proac­ tivity and ethical deliberation often advocated by ET. His career, dedicated to advancing cybernetics while simultaneously urging ethical reflection, exempli­ fies the very tension this volume explores. The latter half of the 20th century saw the formalization and divergence of transhumanist thought accelerate. Figures like FM-2030 popularized a radical, liberatory futurism, while Max More and the Extropy Institute codified a specific “extropian” philosophy emphasizing perpetual progress through reason and technology, often with a strong libertari­ an inflection. Eric Drexler’s influential work on nanotechnology fueled visions of near-magical molecular control over matter, further bolstering CT’s ambi­ tious technological outlook. The founding of the World Transhumanist Associ­ ation (now Humanity+) by Nick Bostrom and David Pearce provided crucial organizational infrastructure and brought a new level of academic rigor, but also introduced concepts like existential risk and longtermism which, as the ex­

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posé rightly notes, sometimes exhibit a detached, cosmic-scale technocentrism that troubles more person-centered ethical perspectives within ET. Simultaneously, a distinct critical tradition was solidifying, paving the way for Euro-Transhumanism. Donna Haraway’s seminal “A Cyborg Manifesto” brilliantly infused technology analysis with postmodern and feminist theory, challenging rigid dualisms, celebrating hybridity, and demonstrating the power of critical perspectives to navigate techno-scientific futures beyond simplistic utopian/dystopian binaries. Building on such critical foundations, James Hugh­ es explicitly linked transhumanism with democratic socialism and Frankfurt School critical theory, institutionalizing a left-leaning, socially conscious coun­ terpoint to CT’s prevailing libertarianism and advocating for international co­ operation on enhancement oversight. Most recently, Stefan Lorenz Sorgner has emerged as the key proponent and synthesizer of Euro-Transhumanism, weav­ ing together Nietzschean philosophy, critical posthumanist insights, and tran­ shumanist goals into a coherent framework emphasizing relationality, embodi­ ment, and our inherent, ongoing cyborg nature, seeking a path that embraces transformation while demanding ethical accountability. This historical trajecto­ ry reveals not a single, linear development, but a branching river of ideas, with tributaries fed by both unwavering techno-optimism and profound philosophi­ cal critique, leading to the complex landscape we navigate today.

This volume is structured to guide the reader systematically through this complex and often contentious intellectual terrain, moving from foundational definitions and historical context to specific thematic clashes, deep philosophi­ cal critiques, and finally, broader, often unexpected perspectives. Part 1: Setting the Stage provides the essential groundwork. Natasha Vita-More, a key figure in the history of the movement, offers an invaluable insider’s perspective, trac­ ing the origins, defining core transhumanist principles (particularly those asso­ ciated with the classical/extropian lineage), and importantly, addressing and correcting numerous common misconceptions that often cloud public under­ standing. Following this, Stefan Lorenz Sorgner, the primary architect of EuroTranshumanism, presents his own influential vision, outlining key concepts such as our inherent cyborg nature, the critique of traditional dualistic human­ ism, and the philosophical shift towards becoming and relationality that charac­ terizes his approach. To complete the foundational section, Russell Blackford provides a crucial service by meticulously dissecting the terminology, clarifying the specific distinctions Sorgner draws between “Classic” and “Euro-” transhu­ manism, critically examining the often-invoked roles of the Enlightenment and Nietzschean thought, and setting the stage for a more precise and informed de­ bate by untangling potential semantic confusions.

Part 2: Exploring the Divide: Core Concepts then delves into specific the­ matic areas where the divergence between CT and ET is most apparent and consequential. Roberto Manzocco tackles the profound question of mortality,

Foreword

contrasting the Classical pursuit of techno-immortality or “a-mortality” with the Euro-Transhumanist emphasis on extended healthspan and acceptance of finitude, exploring the deep philosophical differences underpinning these con­ trasting goals regarding the meaning of life and death. Aura Schussler con­ fronts the complex and often emotionally charged issue of suffering, comparing David Pearce’s radical “abolitionist project,” aiming to eliminate all involuntary suffering through biotechnology, with Sorgner’s more Nietzschean perspective, which views pain and pleasure not as simple opposites to be optimized, but as potentially intertwined aspects of a meaningful process of becoming and selfovercoming. Complementing this, Maurizio Balistreri examines the contrasting approaches to the equally challenging domain of moral enhancement. He care­ fully contrasts the techno-utopian ideas often found in CT, which propose di­ rect biological or neurological interventions to make people “more moral,” with Euro-Transhumanism’s skepticism towards such approaches, emphasizing in­ stead that morality is a complex, socially embedded, experiential process involv­ ing learning, empathy, critical reflection, and lived ethical practice, rather than a trait amenable to simple technological fixes. These chapters collectively illus­ trate how the foundational philosophical differences between the two camps translate into starkly different approaches to fundamental aspects of the human condition.

Part 3: Philosophical Frameworks and Critiques probes the deeper philo­ sophical underpinnings of both movements and subjects their core assumptions to rigorous critical scrutiny from various angles. Andrei Nutas investigates the crucial question of the appropriate naturalist foundation for Euro-Transhu­ manism, navigating the complex terrain between scientism, Nietzschean per­ spectivism, and reductive physicalism to argue compellingly for a pragmatic naturalism capable of supporting ET’s goals without succumbing to epistemo­ logical paralysis or ontological oversimplification. David Edward Rose shifts the focus to political philosophy, exploring the often-unacknowledged shared liberal commitments underlying both CT and ET, despite their surface disa­ greements, and proposing “ironic postmodern liberalism” as a potential con­ ceptual bridge capable of accommodating both individual autonomy and the contingency of values. Broadening the philosophical toolkit further, Amara Esther Chimakonam introduces Ezumezu, an African trivalent logic originating from Igbo thought, arguing that its principles of relationality, contextuality, and complementarity offer a potentially more suitable and non-contradictory logical framework for grounding Sorgner’s metahumanist attempt to mediate between the seemingly binary opposition of transhumanism and posthumanism. Turn­ ing to socio-political critique, Nicolás Antonio Rojas-Cortés offers a potent analysis of Classical Transhumanism viewed through the lens of Mark Fisher’s “capitalist realism,” arguing that its emphasis on endless progress and individu­ al enhancement aligns troublingly with neoliberal ideology, while presenting ET

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(along with democratic transhumanism) as a more philosophically coherent and potentially critical alternative. Finally, Alexander Thomas provides a sharp and necessary critical analysis specifically targeting Euro-Transhumanism’s so­ cial democratic claims, highlighting its arguably underdeveloped engagement with the structural force of capitalism, its potential contradictions regarding surveillance and autonomy, and its need for a more robust theoretical frame­ work to counter emerging forms of techno-authoritarianism. This section demonstrates the richness and necessity of applying diverse philosophical and critical lenses to dissect the assumptions and implications of both major tran­ shumanist schools.

Part 4: Expanding Perspectives concludes the volume by broadening the conversation beyond the central CT versus ET axis, bringing in unique angles and challenging perspectives that enrich the overall discourse. Mariano Ro­ dríguez González identifies a crucial, perhaps underappreciated, problem with­ in transhumanism concerning the nature of Verstehen (understanding), partic­ ularly in the age of increasingly powerful but opaque AI. He contrasts the computational models of mind often favored in CT with ET’s emphasis on em­ bodied, phenomenological understanding, raising critical questions about the true meaning of “cognitive enhancement.” Marius Markuckas, employing the methodology of artistic research grounded in his own lived experience, offers a profound and moving meditation on disability. He challenges the prevalent transhumanist view of disability solely as a limitation to be overcome, refram­ ing it instead as a unique mode of experiencing reality, a source of creativity, and an essential component of human diversity that might be tragically dimin­ ished by an uncritical pursuit of universal “perfection.” Similarly expanding the discourse, Hureyre Kam introduces Islamic theology and philosophy as a criti­ cal interlocutor, analyzing the points of contention and convergence between Muslim thought and the distinct approaches of classical and Euro-transhuman­ ism. Lastly, Steve Fuller takes a step back to critique the very notion of a funda­ mental cultural division within transhumanism (such as “Euro-” vs. “AngloAmerican”), arguing vigorously for the inherently universalist aspirations of the movement rooted in concepts like morphological freedom. He explores the complex relationship between transhumanism as a potentially globalizing force and the persistence of local cultures, reframing the debate through the lens of art versus culture. These final chapters serve as vital reminders that the transhu­ manist conversation intersects with a vast range of human experiences and philosophical concerns, urging us to consider perspectives beyond the domi­ nant paradigms.

While this volume meticulously charts the significant, often profound, dif­ ferences between Classical and Euro-Transhumanism, its purpose extends far beyond merely documenting discord or mapping intellectual battle lines. As the original exposé rightly highlighted, and as several contributions implicitly or

Foreword

explicitly suggest, beneath the often-stark contrasts and polemical exchanges lie shared commitments that form a potential, albeit fragile, basis for dialogue. A fundamental desire to alleviate suffering, a core belief in the potential for hu­ man flourishing beyond current biological constraints, and at least a nominal acknowledgment of the need to apply science and technology responsibly and ethically are values often invoked across the spectrum. Several chapters, includ­ ing those by Blackford and Rose, explicitly seek conceptual bridges or identify underlying common ground that might facilitate more productive engagement.

Even contributors firmly aligned with one perspective, like Manzocco with CT, often recognize the validity or pragmatic value in the realism or critical insights offered by the other camp. The ultimate aim of this collection, therefore, is to leverage this detailed exploration of internal tensions not to solidify divisions, but to foster a more nuanced, self-aware, critical, and ultimately more ethically grounded transhumanism.

By encouraging thoughtful engagement with competing worldviews, prompting the integration of complementary insights where possible, and con­ sistently subjecting techno-utopian aspirations to rigorous ethical scrutiny and social analysis, we can perhaps move towards a transhumanism capable of wise­ ly navigating the immense challenges and unprecedented opportunities present­ ed by accelerating technological change. Elucidating areas of both contradiction and complementarity is absolutely essential for tempering unchecked ambition with reflective wisdom, ensuring that the powerful pursuit of enhancement re­ mains firmly tethered to considered values of justice, inclusivity, ecological re­ sponsibility, and a rich conception of genuine human (and potential posthu­ man) flourishing. The stakes are simply too high, potentially involving the very future of conscious life, to proceed without this kind of deep, critical, and crossperspective dialogue.

This book is intended for, and should prove valuable to, a wide and diverse audience. Academics and researchers working in philosophy of technology, bio­ ethics, political theory, sociology, cultural studies, future studies, and other fields grappling with the implications of transhumanism will find a deep, schol­ arly dive into the conceptual foundations, historical trajectories, and internal debates shaping this major contemporary intellectual and cultural movement.

Policymakers, regulators, and analysts grappling with the complex governance challenges posed by transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, neu­ rotechnologies, genetic editing, and nanotechnology will gain a crucial, bal­ anced perspective on the differing attitudes towards risk, regulation, ethical pri­ orities, and desirable societal outcomes, aiding the development of more informed, ethics-focused, and publicly legitimate policymaking. Scientists, engi­ neers, and technologists actively involved in developing these powerful tools at the forefront of innovation will encounter diverse ethical frameworks and criti­ cal perspectives designed to stimulate reflection on the broader societal implica­

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tions of their work and guide their practice towards more responsible ends.

Public intellectuals, cultural commentators, journalists, and philosophical thinkers seeking a reliable orientation to the rapidly evolving landscape of tran­ shumanist thought will find this volume an engaging, accessible, yet sophisticat­ ed overview and analysis of the core values, central debates, and future direc­ tions within this increasingly influential global movement. Finally, interested lay readers, citizens concerned about the future, individuals following advances in science and technology, and anyone pondering the changing nature of the human condition, will appreciate how this accessible volume brings multifacet­ ed philosophical wisdom to bear in clarifying, contextualizing, and potentially bridging the divergent transhumanist perspectives on technology’s profound role in shaping humanity’s collective destiny.

Clarifying transhumanism’s complex foundations, internal tensions, and societal intersections, allows this volume to provide vital orientation for anyone concerned with the responsible and ethical navigation of our technological fu­ ture. It exemplifies philosophy’s crucial public role: applying the accumulated wisdom and critical tools of diverse traditions to address the most pressing and potentially transformative challenges of our time. The constructive, critical dia­ logue fostered within these pages, aiming to bridge divides while respecting dif­ ferences and seeking common ethical ground, is not merely an academic exer­ cise; it is an essential component of the collective deliberation required as we navigate the complex path towards humanity’s future, a future that will inevi­ tably, and increasingly, be intertwined with the technologies we create and the conscious choices we make about what it means, and what it should mean, to be human. May this volume contribute significantly to making those choices wiser, more informed, more ethical, and ultimately more conducive to the flourishing of all conscious beings, now and in the generations to come.