Cyborg Buddha Blog
Dr. J. chats with Ted Peters, a theologian at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Graduate Theological Union, and author of Playing God? Genetic Determinism and Human Freedom and For the Love of Children: Genetic Technology and the Future of the Family. (Originally broadcast February 2005)
DOWNLOAD/LISTEN/VIEWJan 22, 2005
Modern Gnosticism
Changesurfer RadioDr. J. chats with Dr. David Pauls, author of “Transhumanism: 2000 Years in the Making.” Dr. Pauls is a surgeon in Kansas, and serves on the Christian Medical and Dental Association Ethics Commission. He is also a Board member of the Center for Bioethics and Culture. (Originally broadcast January 22, 2005)
Dec 1, 2004
Engineering Transcendence
by Giulio PriscoGazing at the stars in the clear night sky, and feeling that there is something greater than us, which gives a meaning to our little life down here. Being afraid to die, and hoping that our selves may somehow survive death. Grieving for our loved ones who are not with us anymore, and hoping to meet them again, somewhere else.
Sep 22, 2004
Technologies of Self-Perfection
by J. HughesWhat would the Buddha do with nanotechnology and psychopharmaceuticals?
Last year, at a conference at MIT on the contribution of Buddhism to brain sciences, molecular biologist Eric Lander suggested that in 20 years “the US surgeon general might recommend 60 minutes of mental exercise five times a week.” I hope not. It would probably have as little effect on mental health as the recommendation to exercise regularly and eat five helpings of vegetables has had on obesity and health. It would also mean that progress in neurotechnology had ground to a halt before 2005. In 20 years we should have far easier alternatives.
Aug 5, 2004
Buddhism and Transhumanism: The Technologies of Self-Perfection
Transvision 2004James Hughes, IEET Executive Director, speaking at the August 5, 2004 Faith, Transhumanism and Hope Symposium, Trinity College, University of Toronto.
Aug 5, 2004
Trans-Spirit: Religion, Spirituality and Transhumanism
Transvision 2004Michael LaTorra, IEET Board member and author A Warrior Blends with Life: A Modern Tao, speaking at the Faith, Transhumanism and Hope Symposium, Trinity College, University of Toronto, August 5, 2004.
Feb 17, 2004
Encouraging a Positive Transcension: Issues in Transhumanist Ethical Philosophy
by Ben Goertzel- The (Probably) Coming Transcension
- The Ethics and Meta-Ethics of Transcension
- AGI and Alternative Dangers
- Singularity Stewardship and the Global Brain Mindplex
- Pragmatic Politics of Transcension Research
- Creating Joyously Growing, Volition-Respecting AI
- Encouraging a Positive Transcension
Nov 19, 2003
Genetic Virtue
by Mark WalkerTrinity College, University of Toronto
Department of Philosophy, McMaster University
Comments welcome: mark@permanentend.org
Sep 11, 2003
Transhumanist Values
by Nick BostromWonderful ways of being may be located in the “posthuman realm”, but we can’t reach them. If we enhance ourselves using technology, however, we can go out there and realize these values. This paper sketches a transhumanist axiology.
Jun 27, 2003
Neurocops: Policing the Borders of Human Cognition
TV2003Wrye Sententia speaking at the Transvision conference at Yale University on June 28, 2003. Until recently, the idea of Brain Police patrolling and controlling a free individual through the use of drugs has remained the lexicon of the clinically paranoid, or of sci-fi authors. In 1932, Aldous Huxley imagined his brave new world of self-medicated happiness through Soma, and much of 20th century science fiction is steeped in technologies that impose state-sponsored mind control. In “The Futurological Congress” (1971), Stanislaw Lem portrayed a future in which people are controlled with mind-altering chemicals dubbed “benignimizers.” In the cyberpunk fiction of the 1980s & 1990s, people wanting to use mind altering drugs and technologies are often criminalized for doing so. Technologically-induced mental coercion is now coming of age through the backdoor, in a more minute, subtle, and inescapably effective way. The political hot-potato, the War on Drugs is morphing from a criminal issue to a public health issue, one that indicates how a future ban on emerging mind technologies might be run by those opposed to personal enhancement via chemical, electronic, or even nanotechnologies. We are witnessing the onset of chemical coercion in society-at-large, a drama in which every person’s cognitive liberty is at risk.
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