Transhumanism: Problem or Solution?

 

Blog #7 

With our rapid technological advancements, we could envision a not-so-distant future where diseases are eradicated, aging is reversed, and human potential is maximized. Transhumanism, the philosophy driving these transformative changes, advocates for the use of technology to help us transcend the natural limitations of the human mind and body. By leveraging breakthroughs in genetic engineering, we could eliminate genetic disorders, allowing future generations to live healthier lives free from the burden of hereditary diseases. Advances in biotechnology might also enable us to extend our lifespan, possibly even reverse the aging process, granting individuals the opportunity to maintain their physical and mental vitality well into old age. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and neural enhancements could vastly expand our cognitive abilities, enabling us to process information more rapidly, make more informed decisions, and even help us access unprecedented levels of creativity. With an increased lifespan and cognitive abilities, transhumanism could be the solution to all our problems. 

However, there are several drawbacks and severe risks associated with transhumanism. To start, as this technology would require the most advanced equipment and take the most knowledgeable and up-to-date scientists and doctors to implement, it would likely only be available to the wealthiest of families. This disparity could lead to a significant increase in social inequality, where the rich have access to enhancements that improve their cognitive abilities, physical health, and overall lifespan, while the less affluent are left in the dust. Such an imbalance would create a society where the wealthy are perceived as “superior” beings, exacerbating existing class divides that potentially lead to social unrest. 

As such, the implications of transhumanism vary significantly between the old and the young. For older adults, life extension technologies and treatments for age-related diseases could provide additional years of healthy living, enabling them to remain active and engaged in society. However, societal emphasis on youth and life-saving enhancements might marginalize those who opt out of enhancements or merely cannot afford them. 

For younger individuals, the implications are unfortunately far greater. Teens and young adults would feel an exorbitant amount of pressure to conform to societal expectations. There are already many troubling studies that have proven technology’s impact on adolescent mental health, recording record numbers of depression and anxiety in teens/young adults… I can only imagine how much worse this would get with the advent of transhumanism. 

In middle school I read a series called, “The Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld. At the time, I understood it to be a fun dystopian novel. Looking back, however, I realize that the author didn’t write it for pure entertainment. No– It was a warning; A warning on the perils of transhumanism. 

Set in a future where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at the age of sixteen to be a “Pretty,” this series explores a transhumanistic world that is obsessed with perfection and conformity. Unbeknownst to the citizens, this transformation is not merely cosmetic; it also includes mental alterations that ensure compliance and contentment with the societal norms. Westerfeld uses this premise to critique the idea that technological enhancements can lead to a utopia, illustrating instead how they can strip individuals of their autonomy and identity. 

The young protagonist, Tally Youngblood, initially yearns for the day she becomes a Pretty, believing it to be the solution to her insecurities and societal acceptance. However, as she uncovers the truth behind the surgeries and the control exerted over individuals’ minds, she begins to resist the system. Throughout the series, Tally’s journey highlights the inherent dangers of sacrificing personal freedom for the sake of societal perfection. This series warns how transhumanism, when misused, can become a tool for oppression instead of liberation. 

The "Uglies” also delves into the ethical implications of transhumanism. The series portrays a society where the government determines what’s best for its citizens, erasing diversity and dissent in favor of uniformity, which reflects real-world concerns about who gets to decide the direction of human enhancement and the potential for abuse of power.  Westerfeld questions the morality of altering human beings to fit a predetermined ideal by depicting a world where technological advancements lead to the loss of individuality and free-will.

Moreover, the “Uglies'' series serves as a cautionary tale about the devaluation of natural human experiences and imperfections. In the pursuit of perfection, the main characters lose their individuality and miss the unpredictable richness of their natural lives. Westerfeld’s narrative warns against the desire to transcend human limitations at the cost of what makes us fundamentally human: our flaws, emotions, and the ability to choose our paths. 

So while the promise of enhanced abilities and extended life spans is — admittedly— alluring, the risk is simply too much. That said, I implore all those who are reading this blog to be wary of the new invasive technological enhancements that are sure to come, never to forget that your flaws and imperfections are what make you human.

Westerfeld, S. (2014). The Uglies. Simon Pulse

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