The Transhumanist Future of a Radical Identity with Zoltan Istvan & David Wood #3
Mar 9, 2022
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Join Zoltan Istvan and David Wood as they discuss the future of transhumanism, including modifying our bodies, immortality, and personal identity. They explore the lack of female representation in transhumanism, the implications of longevity and cryonic suspension, and the possibility of conscious transfer. The chapter also touches on rational decision making, future technologies, and the importance of understanding their impact on our identities.
Transhumanism challenges traditional notions of self and identity, envisioning a future where individual identity can expand into a collective consciousness or hive mind.
Transhumanism represents a political stance rooted in the desire for personal and societal improvement through utilizing science and technology, emphasizing personal choice, morphological freedom, and overcoming disabilities as part of achieving a better, transhuman future.
The lack of women's representation in transhumanism may be influenced by cultural factors, early career pressures, and societal expectations, but efforts are being made to encourage greater female participation in the field.
Deep dives
Definition of Transhumanism
Transhumanism refers to the application of radical technologies to enhance human capabilities, such as exoskeleton suits for improved mobility.
Identity and Transhumanism
Transhumanism challenges traditional notions of self and identity, envisioning a future where individual identity can expand into a collective consciousness or hive mind.
Politics and Personal Choice in Transhumanism
Transhumanism represents a political stance rooted in the desire for personal and societal improvement through utilizing science and technology. It emphasizes personal choice, morphological freedom, and overcoming limitations, including disabilities, as part of achieving a better, transhuman future.
The Legacy of Converging Technologies and Transhumanism
The podcast episode discusses the legacy of a report during the Bush administration that emphasized the convergence of biotech, info tech, cognitive science, and nanotechnology for improving human performance. The main question raised is whether individuals should embrace transhumanism for personal gain or if the government should introduce these technologies for the public good. The speaker suggests that people will embrace transhumanism for capitalist reasons and the government should not force anything on anyone. However, capitalism and the desire for better opportunities are driving factors behind the success of transhumanism. The speaker also expresses skepticism about the government's involvement and suggests that companies should push these technologies forward to prevent monopolies and ensure diversity in the technological advancements.
Gender Disparity in Transhumanism and the Role of Women
This podcast episode addresses the lack of women's representation in mainstream media and involvement in transhumanism. While there are women actively participating, the majority of participants in transhumanist meetings tend to be male. The speaker suggests that cultural factors in the Western world, such as early career pressure on women and societal expectations, may discourage women from pursuing transhumanist ideas. Additionally, the speaker argues that women often prioritize stability and grounded values, which can clash with the more exploratory and innovative nature of transhumanist concepts. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for more women in transhumanism and efforts are being made to encourage greater participation.
What does it mean to be human in a society in which we can use technology to modify our bodies beyond our normal capabilities, and how does that change our sense of self?
Transhumanism is a futuristic movement, and we’re joined this week by David Wood (Chair of London Futurists) and Zoltan Istvan (Founder of the Transhumanist Party in the US), two leading figures with unique foresight into our transhuman future.
How might we modify our bodies long into the future? Do we have the right to immortality and a duty to ‘fix’ disability? Should we be afraid to change into a different version of ourselves? We tackle all this, and so much more intriguing debate, on this episode of The Future of You.
This episode of The Future of You covers:
The traditional definition of transhumanism, and the form into which the movement might evolve
Maintaining our personal sense of identity in a society capable of collective consciousness and hive minds
Possible reasons for fewer prominent female figures in transhumanism
How we define our bodies, and at what point they should be considered to be failing
