Optimization
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:13 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism
The article, such as it is, provides a useful snapshot of what the "Transhumanism" label encompasses (both in definition and criticism). The wiki format is well suited to this still nascent developing space of goals, values, and beliefs. It makes for light reading.
In the following though, a simpler definition, one I find more useful in terms of agency and personhood.
"Optimization of one's self and environment in accordance with one's goals."
The desire for existential risk reduction and game theory appreciation would tend to lead to constraints on Highlander-like offings, or alternatively, annihilation in the tumult beforehand. Short of utility-driven moral constraints though, physical modelling will delineate our best-approximation of limiting-possibilities.
The article, such as it is, provides a useful snapshot of what the "Transhumanism" label encompasses (both in definition and criticism). The wiki format is well suited to this still nascent developing space of goals, values, and beliefs. It makes for light reading.
In the following though, a simpler definition, one I find more useful in terms of agency and personhood.
"Optimization of one's self and environment in accordance with one's goals."
The desire for existential risk reduction and game theory appreciation would tend to lead to constraints on Highlander-like offings, or alternatively, annihilation in the tumult beforehand. Short of utility-driven moral constraints though, physical modelling will delineate our best-approximation of limiting-possibilities.
