Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement

(Hardback)

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Should technology be used to improve human faculties such as cognition and longevity This thought-provoking dialogue between "transhumanism" and religion examines enhancement technologies that could radically alter the human species. "Transhumanism" or "human enhancement" is an intellectual and cultural movement that advocates the use of emerging technologies to change human traits. Although they may sound like science fiction, the possibilities suggested by transhumanism are very real, and the questions they raise have no easy answers. If these enhancementsespecially major ones like the indefinite extension of healthy human lifebecome widely available, they would arguably have a more radical impact on humankind than any other development in history. This book comprises essays that explore transhumanism and the issues that surround it, addressing numerous fascinating questions posed by scholars of religion from various traditions. How will "immortality" or extreme longevity change our religious beliefs and practices How might pharmaceuticals enhance spiritual experiences Will "post-human" technologies be available to all persons, or will a superior "post-human race" arise to dominate the human species The discussions are as intriguing as the future they suggest.

Author Bio

Calvin Mercer, PhD, is professor of religion and director of the Religious Studies Program at East Carolina University. Tracy J. Trothen, PhD, is associate professor of religion at the Queen's University School of Religion, in Kingston, Ontario.