Cyborg Buddha Blog
“At any moment the Yellowstone caldera could blow up, wipe out 99% of the life on the surface of the planet, and probably all humans, and in our last minutes the degree of equanimity with which we face that prospect is the test of our dharmic fortitude and wisdom.” - James Hughes
In our final episode with professor James Hughes we tackle the less rosy side of Transhumanism, which has to do with massive existential threats and risks. Though there are many natural risks that could threaten humanity as a whole, including large asteriod collisions, gamma bursts, and super volcanoes, the Transhumanist recognize a whole host of other ways that we could threaten ourselves with advanced technologies.
In addition to discussing these threats and all of the possible side traps on the way toward a more techno-utopian future, James ties these together with our understanding of the dharma. He argues that even in a techno-utopian future (assuming we make it), we will still have to deal with annica—the ever changing flow of reality.
(MP3)
DOWNLOAD/LISTEN/VIEWJul 13, 2008
News of the Future: Brain Science
Changesurfer RadioThe roots of empathy and political participation in the brain, the benefits of psilocybin, gene therapy for mental illness, and brain machines. (MP3)
Jul 7, 2008
Cyborg Buddhas & Techno-Utopian Pure Lands
Buddhist GeeksDr. J. chats with Vince Horn of Buddhist Geeks. With radical advances in science in technology would it be possible for us to turn our world into a so-called, “Buddha Realm” or would it be more likely that we create some sort of God Realm, where awakening is discouraged because the conditions are so radically pleasant? And how specifically could these advances help us develop spiritually, on the path toward Buddhahood? (MP3) Part 2 of 3. Part 1 is here.
Jun 30, 2008
Buddhism, H+ and the Myth of the Authentic Self
Buddhist Geeks“The longer our lives, the more we’ll have a chance to see that there’s no self living them.” - James Hughes. What is Transhumanism and how is it related to Buddhist practice? Will technology enable us to radically extend our lifespans, help us control our thoughts and emotions, and bring about the potential to upload our consciousness into virtual reality spaces? And if so, what are the deeper implications for our contemplative traditions. Will these advances actually support the deepening of wisdom? According to professor James Hughes, a Buddhist practitioner and leading voice in the Transhumanist movement, these advances will enable us to deconstruct the notion and experience we have of an “authentic self” and will support the development of happiness, and the cessation of suffering. (MP3)
Jun 1, 2008
KMO on Singularity and the End of Oil
Changesurfer RadioKMO produces the psychedelic transhumanist and End of Oil “C-Realm" podcast. We talk about ‘shrooms, the Singularity and gardening. Also includes Jonathan Coulton’s song “De-Evolving” care of the Podsafe Music Network. [MP3]
May 21, 2008
The science of happiness
All in the MindThe enchanting Natasha Mitchell on why the pursuit of happiness is a global obsession. Can science investigate happiness? What are the metrics—self report, brain activity, or the good deeds we do? Five world leaders in the field join Natasha Mitchell in conversation—neuroscientist Richard Davidson, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, Buddhist scholar B. Alan Wallace, psychologist Daniel Gilbert and philosopher David Chalmers. (MP3) (Transcript)
Apr 28, 2008
Emerging Brain Plasticity Research
Dan Rather ReportsScientists, with the help of Buddhist monks and the Dalai Lama, are unlocking mysteries of the brain.
Apr 20, 2008
Artificial Wisdom
by Ben GoertzelEvery now and then, someone suggests to me that, alongside the pursuit of Artificial Intelligence, we should also be pursuing “Artificial Wisdom”
Apr 16, 2008
Hughes Talk on H+ & Religion top-rated at Thoughtware.tv
To toot my own horn, one of my favorite talks in recent memory was one I gave to the Templeton folks on the compatibility of religion and transhumanism. Andres put it up on Thoughtware.tv, and he wrote to let me know that it has been their top-rated talk there. Listen to it here. The slides associated with that talk are here, and the paper is here.
Apr 14, 2008
Do we want a truly liberal society?
by Russell BlackfordThe goal of a liberal society puts obligations on its citizens, that we practice reasonableness and openness to ideas, that we do not just tolerate one another but support one another to our fullest flourishing. A liberal society is not neutral about values like disease and health, sloth and effort, deceit and integrity, cowardice and courage. There are excellences that citizens of a liberal society must promote to survive. [Discuss this article in IEET Fora]
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