Existentialism is a Transhumanism: The Self-Made Species

Is Existentialism a Transhumanism? This provocative work, Existentialism is a Transhumanism: The Self-Made Species, delves into the surprising connections and fundamental tensions between two of the most influential movements shaping our understanding of humanity and its future.Echoing Jean-Paul Sartre's seminal "Existentialism is a Humanism," this book explores whether Transhumanism, with its futuristic focus on technologically overcoming human limits, represents a complex and often unacknowledged continuation of the core existentialist project: the radical assertion of human freedom and the burden of self-creation in a world without pre-ordained essences. This rigorous philosophical inquiry invites readers to explore:Shared Foundations: Discover the surprising common ground between Existentialism and Transhumanism, including their mutual emphasis on freedom, the rejection of a fixed human nature, the drive to transcend limitations, and the conception of the human being as an ongoing project. Philosophical Landscapes: Gain a foundational understanding of the core tenets, historical contexts, and key thinkers of both Existentialism and Transhumanism. Points of Convergence: Journey through the shared philosophical impulses, with Sartre's "Existentialism is a Humanism" serving as a crucial bridge to examine how themes of self-creation and transcendence echo across both frameworks. Fundamental Divergences: Confront the significant fault lines, analyzing the conflicting valuations of technology, contrasting views on embodiment and finitude, and differing conceptions of authenticity and value. Existentialism in a Technological Age: Reimagine core existential concepts like angst, absurdity, and intersubjectivity within the context of potential transhuman futures and the accelerating ambition to radically redesign our very condition. Critical Engagements: Apply an existentialist ethical lens to pressing contemporary debates surrounding transhumanism, including justice, dignity, and existential risk, while situating the dialogue within broader discussions of humanism and posthumanism. Existentialism is a Transhumanism ultimately seeks to provoke new ways of thinking about the future of human self-understanding and self-creation in our increasingly technological age. It is an essential read for anyone grappling with the profound, challenging, and necessary dialogue between finding meaning within our given condition and the ambition to radically redesign that condition itself. Read more