Superlongevity, Memory and Identity with Transhumanist Pioneer, Dr Natasha Vita-More #6
Apr 20, 2022
auto_awesome
Dr Natasha Vita-More, a transhumanist pioneer, discusses longevity and radical life extension, AI augmentation for senses and emotional responses, practical developments in transhumanism, being a pioneering woman in the field, and the importance of continuity of identity.
Transhumanism aims to extend human life and remove limitations through technology and science.
Advancements in AI and emerging technologies challenge traditional notions of time and identity.
Preserving memory is crucial for maintaining a sense of identity and continuity as life spans extend.
Deep dives
Transhumanism and the Notions of Identity
Natasha Vitamour explains that transhumanism is a philosophy that seeks to go beyond the limitations of humanity by using technology and science to achieve a rational and logical assessment of our future. It aims to remove societal, cultural, psychological, and biological limits to human life. Natasha emphasizes the importance of longevity and super longevity, which involves expanding our current lifespan and living longer in good health. She challenges the limited perspective on aging and advocates for technological advancements that can extend human life and improve overall well-being.
The Intersection of Transhumanism and Time
According to Natasha, transhumanism challenges traditional notions of time and age. With the advancements in AI, virtual reality, and emerging technologies, she envisions a future where time is not exclusively linear. She discusses the possibility of existing in multiple environments, such as the cybersphere, and how these environments can shape our identities and sense of self. Natasha highlights the need for smart emotions and enhanced senses to navigate these future environments effectively.
Memory and Longevity
Natasha's research focuses on the preservation and revival of memory in cryonics. She conducted experiments with C. elegans nematodes and demonstrated that long-term memory can be preserved even after cryopreservation and revival. She emphasizes the importance of memory in maintaining a sense of identity and continuity as life spans extend. Natasha also discusses the potential of AI assistants to enhance cognitive functions and support emotional well-being.
Challenges and Gender Disparities in Transhumanism
Natasha reflects on the challenges she faces as a pioneering woman in transhumanism. She believes that gender biases and norms have contributed to the lack of recognition and visibility for women in the field. Natasha emphasizes the need for more women in transhumanism to create a more inclusive and diverse movement that can shape the future of humanity.
A More Humane Humanity
In summary, Natasha calls for a more humane humanity that embraces individuality, recognizes and builds upon others' work, and fosters kindness and fairness. She highlights the importance of inclusivity and allowing space for diverse perspectives and identities in shaping the future.
Dr Natasha Vita-More’s CV reads like a transhumanist historical timeline, stretching back to writing The Transhumanist Manifesto in 1983.
A prominent transhumanist voice since then, she’s still leading the pursuit of a future in which transhumanism affords us a longer, healthier life free from human limits and human suffering.
Natasha is an extraordinary guest for me to have hosted on The Future of You and we discuss perceptions of time, AI augmentation for our senses and emotional responses, practical developments in transhumanism, and what it’s like to be a pioneering woman in the transhumanist space.
This episode of The Future of You covers:
Longevity, and the prospect of radical life extension
The binary thinking that sometimes limits our vision and potential
Importance of continuity of the person for identity
Whether we can live over different platforms
The growth of AI and how it might enhance our perceptions and senses