Episode 61, David Pearce on Transhumanism (Part I - Transhumanism)
Jun 2, 2019
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David Pearce, a prominent transhumanist and author of 'The Hedonistic Imperative,' discusses his vision of a suffering-free world through biotechnology. He dives into the relevance of philosophy in our scientific age, tackling profound questions about consciousness and morality. Pearce shares his journey as a first-generation vegan, influenced by his grandmother's legacy, while exploring the ethics of compassion towards animals. He also examines transhumanism's promise of super longevity and happiness, challenging listeners to rethink their responsibilities and the implications of advanced technologies.
Transhumanism aims to transcend biological limitations, seeking a future with enhanced cognitive abilities and the abolition of suffering for all sentient beings.
David Pearce emphasizes the ethical responsibility to eliminate suffering not only in humans but also to address the exploitation of animals.
Deep dives
The Vision of Transhumanism
Transhumanism advocates for transcending biological limitations to create a future focused on super longevity, super intelligence, and super happiness. It rejects the notion that aging, suffering, and the limitations of biological existence are immutable laws of nature. For example, proponents like Aubrey de Grey propose that advancements in medical technology could potentially lead people to live indefinitely. This movement envisions a future where humans can enhance their cognitive and emotional capacities significantly, ultimately aiming to eliminate suffering across all sentient beings.
The Problem of Suffering
The abolition of suffering is a central tenet of transhumanist thought, suggesting that scientific advancements could allow for better management of emotional and physical pain. David Pearce's insights highlight the need to address the hedonic treadmill, which posits that humans have a set-point of happiness, making it difficult to sustain joy or diminish suffering permanently. He also discusses how changes in genetics and biotechnology can enable higher hedonic set points, which could lead to increased happiness and better emotional states. The overarching goal is to recalibrate what happiness means in a way that minimizes involuntary suffering while still allowing for genuine emotional experiences.
The Ethical Considerations for Non-Human Animals
Compassion extends beyond humans, as transhumanism encompasses the ethical treatment of animals, especially those suffering in factory farms. Pearce emphasizes the moral obligation to end the systematic harm inflicted on sentient beings, arguing that it is not sufficient to merely reduce their suffering; they should not be subjected to exploitation at all. This involves reevaluating the relationship between humans and other species, aiming to create a world where all sentient beings are treated with respect and dignity. The discussion also invites reflections on how biotechnological innovations could potentially eradicate suffering in the animal kingdom.
Philosophical Reflections on Consciousness
David Pearce addresses the nature of consciousness in relation to transhumanist goals, arguing that understanding consciousness is critical to the abolitionist project aimed at eradicating suffering. He posits that most sentient beings, including many non-human animals, experience suffering, and this shared trait necessitates a more compassionate approach to ethics. Pearce introduces the idea of panpsychism, where consciousness may exist at a fundamental level throughout the universe, giving moral weight to the experiences of all sentient life. This philosophical perspective urges a reevaluation of our understanding of consciousness and its implications for how we navigate ethical dilemmas in the quest for a suffering-free world.
Co-founder of Humanity+, formerly known as the World Transhumanist Association, David Pearce is a leading figure of the transhumanist movement. David is perhaps best known for his 1995 manifesto, The Hedonistic Imperative, in which he argues that we can, and will, abolish suffering throughout the living world. Following The Hedonistic Imperative, David has published extensively on topics surrounding utilitarianism, veganism, abolitionism and transhumanism; culminating in his most recent 2017 collection of essays, Can Biotechnology Abolish Suffering?
Alongside his careful philosophical thinking, David’s captivating writing-style has inspired philosophers across the world to look forward into the ‘philosophy of the future’. A world as David hopes, that is free from suffering, ageing and stupidity.
Contents
Part I. Transhumanism.
Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion.
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