Posthumanism offers a broader ethical framework that considers the interests of non-human entities and promotes planetary values, while Transhumanism focuses on individual enhancement and technological progress. The choice between them depends on one's priorities regarding inclusivity, sustainability, and the role of technology in shaping the future of humanity.
| Attribute | Posthumanism | Transhumanism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition and Core Principles | Challenges anthropocentrism, questions traditional humanist assumptions, decenters the human, promotes inclusivity, emphasizes relationality and mutuality. | A philosophical and intellectual movement advocating for enhancing the human condition through advanced technologies to overcome limitations like aging, disease, and cognitive constraints. Core principles include technological enhancement, belief in improving the human condition, individual freedom in adopting enhancements, and a rational approach to technology development. |
| Technological Enhancement Focus | Explores altering human characteristics through technologies but not necessarily about merging humans with machines; examines technology's impact on identity. | Supports the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science (NBIC). Considers future technologies like simulated reality, AI, 3D bioprinting, mind uploading, and cryonics to surpass human limitations. |
| Views on Human Nature | Rejects fixed human identity, views human nature as a social construct, considers humans as part of a larger assemblage. | Sees human nature as a work in progress, reshaped through technology. Humans are viewed as material beings with malleable natures, where the essence is information that can be transferred. |
| Ethical Considerations | Expands ethical concern beyond humans, critiques anthropocentrism, calls for de-anthropocentrized AI ethics, prioritizes ecological balance and social justice. | Studies the benefits and dangers of emerging technologies and the ethics of their use. Argues technology can eliminate disease and solve global problems. Concerns include social equity, environmental sustainability, and ethical dimensions. |
| Societal Impact Predictions | Anticipates blurred boundaries between human and non-human, raises questions about the future of work and power distribution. | Envisions humans enhancing themselves beyond natural limits, replacing natural evolution with directed evolution, potentially transforming into posthumans with greater abilities. |
| Relationship to Environmentalism | Fueled by the global sustainability crisis, challenges anthropocentrism for a sustainable relationship with nature. | Shows little concern for environmental issues, focusing on individual bodies, health, and longevity. Proposes technological solutions to ecological disasters like space colonization. Critics argue it undermines efforts to address social and environmental problems. |
| Mortality and Aging Perspectives | Seeks to overcome death through technological means, explores biological, bionic, and virtual immortality. | Aims to eliminate aging and extend human lifespans significantly, envisioning a future where death is optional. |
| Role of Artificial Intelligence | Challenges assumptions about human uniqueness, explores AI's potential beyond human capabilities, sees AI as an active participant in meaning-making. | AI is key for enhancing humans, increasing cognitive and moral capacities. AI advancements could lead to humans becoming posthumans. |
| Political and Ideological Alignments | Associated with postmodern philosophy, cultural studies, and feminism; critiques the traditional humanist focus on the white, male, Western, able-bodied version of 'Man'. | Roots in Enlightenment humanism and rationalism. Political views range from technoprogressives advocating inclusive approaches to libertarians believing in market dynamism. |
| Cultural and Artistic Expressions | Reflected in art, literature, and science fiction, exploring human-machine hybridity and blurring boundaries. | Attracts supporters and detractors from philosophy and religion, influenced by science fiction. |
| Philosophical Origins and Influences | Draws on Enlightenment challenges to humanism, influenced by Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, Donna Haraway, and N. Katherine Hayles. | Draws upon Aristotle, Roger Bacon, Darwinian naturalism, Nietzsche's ", and Marxist ideology. |
| Practical Applications and Real-World Examples | Implications for architecture, landscape architecture, and education; informs discussions about AI and biotechnology ethics. | Includes gene therapies, AI-powered prosthetic implants, nanotechnology, brain-computer interfaces, genetic engineering, and bionic limbs. |
| Pros | Challenges anthropocentrism, Promotes inclusivity and interconnectedness, Expands ethical considerations to non-human entities, Critiques traditional humanist assumptions, Addresses the global sustainability crisis, Explores the potential of AI and technology to reshape society | Potential to overcome fundamental human limitations, Offers solutions to global problems through technology, Aims to eliminate aging and extend human lifespans, Potential for increased cognitive and moral capacities through AI, Drives innovation in various technological fields |
| Cons | Potential risks and benefits of emerging technologies, Perpetuation of biases and inequalities, Economic shock from automation, Potential for a dystopian society shaped by algorithmic goals, Concerns regarding increased inequality due to access to enhancement technologies | Ethical concerns about social equity and environmental impact, Potential loss of human identity and values, Risk of increased social inequality if enhancements are not accessible to all, Lack of concern for environmental issues, May undermine efforts to address social and ecological problems |