Transhumanism: a new metanarrative

Abstract

In this thesys, we aim to defend the proposition that Technoprogressive Transhumanism, as formulated by James Hughes and David Wood, has the potential to cultivate a new metanarrative. This metanarrative may provide a framework for envisaging solutions to the numerous atrocities culminating in existential risk. Transhumanism is not a singular, all-encompassing philosophical, cultural, political, and social movement. The subdivisions primarily arise due to the political nuances guiding each submovement. Alongside Technoprogressive Transhumanism, there is Extropianism, established by Max More and entrenched in neoliberalism, as well as UpWingers, founded by FM-2030 – or his former name, Fereidon Esfandiary – presenting an alternative political vision to the traditional right-left dichotomy. We critique Extropianism for being grounded in the failed foundations of post-2008 neoliberalism and for its inconsistency in adopting a life-affirming philosophy based on the recurring practice of austerity. We argue that, while transhumanism has its roots in humanism, its propositions surpass it. Despite the benefits humanism provided by introducing the concept of the human and its associated dignity, rights, and prerogatives, thus liberating us from dependence on the divine, the movement also initiated processes of dehumanization. Consequently, it falls to Technoprogressive Transhumanism to propose a utopian scenario wherein an end to the suffering of humans and other animals is envisaged through the use of technology, an extension of our nature in its good aspects, and an optimistic philosophy of life affirmation.