Today, we’re looking at a serious debate in the world of technology and philosophy: transhumanism.
Transhumanism is the idea of using advanced technologies – such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics – to enhance human abilities and potentially overcome aging and death.
On December 4th, at London’s Institute of Art and Ideas, a panel discussed whether transhumanism is ‘the world’s most dangerous idea.’ Neuroscientist Àlex Gómez-Marín described it critically as a ‘death cult.’ He argued that it aims to extinguish the essential human condition, replacing it with a technical system that could diminish meaning, identity, and free will.
In response, transhumanist advocate Zoltan Istvan defended the movement. He views aging as a disease that technology can cure, motivated in part by personal loss. Philosopher Susan Schneider expressed support for using technology to improve physical health but cautioned against full digital immortality – the concept of uploading one’s consciousness to a computer – saying it would create a copy, not true continuation of the self. AI researcher Adam Goldstein called for thoughtful governance to guide these developments responsibly.
This discussion comes as advancements in AI and biotechnology continue to accelerate. As someone who’s followed technology for over 35 years, I believe these innovations hold promise for solving real problems, like disease. However, they also raise important ethical questions that society needs to address carefully