Transhumanism as a New Social Movement: The Techno-Centred Imagination

This book explores Technological Human Enhancement Advocacy through ethnographically inspired participant observation across a range of sites, arguing that it is characterized by 'Techno-centrism,' a belief grounded in today's world while being future-oriented and drawn from the imagination. It reflects deep-seeded concerns about the future of science, technology, and human self-identity in the new millennium.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 239 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the realm of Technological Human Enhancement Advocacy, employing ethnographically inspired participant observation across a diverse array of sites. James Michael MacFarlane contends that this advocacy is marked by a distinctive blend of techno-centrism, a belief rooted in the present while also envisioning a future-oriented and imaginative perspective. This intriguing fusion of 'real' and 'imagined futures' draws inspiration from the materialist foundations of the scientific worldview, granting it a broad latitude to explore technology as a catalyst for forward-looking actions, including the revival of humanist ideals associated with the modernization project. While techno-centrism is most prominently evident in transhumanism, where it manifests in extreme and hyperbolic ways, it reflects more broadly held concerns about the future of science, technology, and human self-identity in the new millennium. Far from being novel, these emerging social forms encapsulate unresolved ambivalences that have long cast a shadow over late-modern society and culture.

Introduction:
The book explores the advocacy of technological human enhancement, focusing on ethnographically inspired participant observation across various sites. It delves into the concept of techno-centrism, a belief system that combines elements of the present with future-oriented and imaginative perspectives. This fusion of 'real' and 'imagined futures' draws inspiration from the materialist foundations of the scientific worldview, granting it a broad license to explore technology as a catalyst for forward-looking actions, including the revival of humanist ideals associated with the modernization project.

Techno-Centrism:
Techno-centrism is characterized by a belief in the centrality of technology in shaping the future. It is grounded in the realities of the current world while also being forward-looking and drawn from the imagination. This blurring of the line between 'real' and 'imagined futures' borrows from the materialist grounding of the scientific worldview, allowing for extended visions for technology as an enabler of forward-facing action.

Reviving Humanist Ideals:
One of the key aspects of techno-centrism is its ability to revive humanist ideals associated with the modernization project. By leveraging technology, advocates can strive to enhance human capabilities, promote human flourishing, and address societal challenges. This revival of humanist ideals is particularly evident in transhumanism, where advocates push the boundaries of human potential, seeking to transcend biological limitations and achieve immortality or superhuman abilities.

Concerns about the Future:
While techno-centrism offers exciting possibilities for the future, it also raises concerns about the potential risks and unintended consequences associated with technological advancements. These concerns are rooted in the broader context of the future of science, technology, and human self-identity in the new millennium. The book explores these concerns, highlighting the unresolved ambivalences that have long cast a shadow over late-modern society and culture.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of Technological Human Enhancement Advocacy through ethnographically inspired participant observation. It highlights the distinctive blend of techno-centrism, a belief grounded in the present while also envisioning a future-oriented and imaginative perspective. The book explores the revival of humanist ideals associated with the modernization project, leveraging technology as a catalyst for forward-looking actions. However, it also raises concerns about the potential risks and unintended consequences associated with technological advancements. By examining these issues, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between technology, society, and the human self in the new millennium.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030400927
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020