Transhumanism and Emerging Technologies w/ Fr. Michael Baggot
Feb 7, 2024
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Fr. Michael Baggot, a priest discussing Transhumanism and its relation to Transgenderism, joins the show to talk about the leading thinkers in the movement, the philosophies underpinning it, and its goal. They also explore the connection between Transhumanism and Transgenderism, the impact of postmodernism on the movement, and the moral implications of emerging technologies like gene editing. The chapter covers topics such as therapeutic enhancements, cognitive abilities, and the blurring boundaries between humans and machines. They also touch on the Catholic Church's stance on transhumanism and the potential impact of technological advancements on scriptural interpretation. Other interesting topics discussed include enhancing human capabilities with technology, overcoming pornography addiction, and the moral concerns surrounding emerging technologies in warfare.
Transhumanism aims to enhance humanity through emerging technologies and overcome the limits of human nature.
Advancements in technology challenge traditional notions of human identity and relationships.
Secular transhumanists seek to restore natural gifts through technological enhancement, but the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of divine grace.
True fulfillment and transcendence lie in a deeper relationship with God, going beyond the limitations of secular transhumanism.
Ethical considerations arise from advancements in technology, including the potential loss of human connection and control over human enhancement.
The Church encourages critical reflection, safeguarding human dignity, and cultivating meaningful experiences in the face of technological advancements.
Deep dives
The Concept of Transhumanism and Self-Creation
Transhumanism is a movement focused on radically enhancing humanity through the use of technology, with the goal of transcending the limits of human nature. It aims to improve physical, cognitive, moral, mood, and lifespan aspects of human life through biotechnology and other emerging technologies. The movement sees itself as a rational alternative to traditional religious beliefs, asserting that it is actively working to address issues like aging, sickness, suffering, and death. However, the philosophy behind transhumanism often stems from a lack of teleology and an absence of objective meaning in life. This leads transhumanists to pursue a self-creating identity and to instrumentalize technology to fulfill personal desires and ambitions.
The Blurring of Boundaries and Risks
Advancements in technology, such as artificially intelligent operating systems and sex robots, have the potential to blur the boundaries between humans and machines, challenging traditional notions of human identity and relationships. Loneliness and vulnerability may drive individuals to form deep connections with AI systems, seeking companionship that is always available and non-judgmental. Furthermore, the rise of digisexuality, where individuals are in relationships with AI systems, raises questions about the recognition and acceptance of new forms of sexual identity. These advancements also bring ethical considerations, including the potential for instrumentalization, excessive demands, and reduction of individuals to their functions. They also create dependencies on technology and societal consequences, as evident in the impact of social media on individuals' well-being and the erosion of personal boundaries.
The Pursuit of Predi Natural Gifts
Secular transhumanists strive to reclaim what they see as predi natural gifts bestowed upon humanity, including freedom from concupiscence, infused knowledge, and bodily immortality. Through cognitive enhancement, mood enhancement, and life extension technologies, they aim to restore these gifts that perfect human nature. However, the Catholic Church recognizes that these goals fall short of the super natural, the divine grace that allows individuals to transcend their nature and participate in the divine nature. The Church emphasizes that the true goal lies in the super natural, rather than settling for a limited vision of enhancement. Only through divine grace can individuals experience a qualitative leap beyond this earthly life, preparing them for true eternity.
Conclusion: The Call to Supernatural Transcendence
While science and technology have their place in improving physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of human life, the ultimate fulfillment lies in the supernatural transcendence offered by divine grace. The Church's vision goes beyond the limitations of secular transhumanism, focusing on assisting individuals in living virtuously and pursuing true flourishing. It acknowledges the intrinsic value of every person, regardless of their physical or cognitive state, providing the opportunity for all to partake in the divine life and prepare for an eternity that transcends mere extension of this earthly existence.
The Promise and Peril of Transhumanism
Transhumanism envisions a future where humans can enhance their physical and cognitive abilities through technology. It aims to extend the healthy lifespan and overcome limitations of the human body. This includes advancements in prosthetics, gene editing, brain-computer interfaces, and more. However, there are ethical concerns surrounding these developments. Questions arise about morality, control over human enhancement, the repercussions of germline editing, and the potential loss of human connection in a tech-dependent world. The Catholic Church sees the value in using technology for the betterment of humanity, but warns against replacing or diminishing our human nature and the ultimate goal of eternal life.
The Quest for Immortality and Moral Enhancement
Transhumanists pursue the idea of achieving immortality through advancements in technology. However, this pursuit raises questions about the nature of morality and the impact of moral enhancement. Some propose cognitive-enhancing technologies to overcome bias, improve decision-making, and foster collaboration. Yet, determining the right morality and deciding who should decide it poses significant challenges. The Church cautions that moral decisions should not be reduced to mere autonomy or limited to harm prevention. It emphasizes the importance of embracing metaphysical and ethical discussions while recognizing that true fulfillment and eternal life can be found in a deeper relationship with God.
The Limits and Risks of Technological Advancement
As technology advances, there is a growing concern about the ethical implications of future developments. Prosthetics and gene editing offer promising medical treatments and enhancements, but there are debates about fairness, unintended consequences, and the commodification of certain enhancements. Brain-computer interfaces and immersive technologies raise questions about the loss of human connection and embodied experiences. The Catholic perspective acknowledges the potential benefits of technology but encourages critical reflection and safeguarding the dignity of every human person. It warns against becoming too dependent on technology and highlights the need for disciplines that prioritize human flourishing and authentic relationships.
Living a Life Beyond Technological Advancements
While technological advancements hold the promise of improving our lives, they are ultimately limited and subject to the constraints of the universe. The Church encourages embracing the human pilgrimage and cultivating meaningful, embodied experiences. It acknowledges the desire for longevity but highlights the importance of pursuing a life centered on God's promise of eternal life. Rather than replacing or escaping from the limitations of our earthly existence through technology, the Church invites us to reflect on the ultimate purpose and destination of our human journey.
Concerns about Human Enhancement and Transhumanism
The podcast episode explores the concerns surrounding human enhancement and transhumanism. It discusses how the Catholic Church has expressed caution regarding enhancement projects, fearing that it would result in social stratification and an imbalance of power. However, there is room for legitimate therapeutic enhancements that improve overall health and are consistent with the good of individuals. The episode also raises questions about the potential dangers of advancements in technology, such as the development of sex robots and autonomous lethal weapons. It emphasizes the need for careful ethical considerations and a deeper understanding of the implications of these technological advancements.
The Importance of Human Vulnerability and Limitation
The podcast episode highlights the significance of acknowledging and embracing human vulnerability and limitation. It explores how our interdependence and reliance on others can foster virtues such as humility, gratitude, and love. It also contrasts the pursuit of enhancement technologies with the idea that true value lies in the recognition and acceptance of our frailty. The episode discusses the potential dangers of striving for immortality or the pursuit of bodily perfection, asserting that true fulfillment and meaning come from a deeper understanding of our purpose and a supernatural perspective on life.
The Catholic Response to Transhumanism
The podcast episode discusses the importance of a Catholic response to transhumanism and emerging technologies. It suggests that engaging in dialogue and offering a thoughtful critique based on Catholic principles can shed light on the limitations and contradictions within the transhumanist movement. The episode encourages further exploration of the Catholic tradition, particularly Thomism, as a rich source of insight and guidance in terms of human nature, purpose, and the good life. It also mentions resources such as books and educational programs that delve deeper into the ethical and philosophical aspects of transhumanism.
Fr. Michael Baggot joins the show to talk about Transhumanism. Who are the leading thinkers in the movement? What philosophies underpin the movement? What is the goal of tranhumanism? How does Transhumanism relate to Transgenderism? Father addresses all these questions.
