Re: SOC: Opposition to Transhumanism

From: GBurch1@aol.com
Date: Tue Jan 04 2000 - 11:54:00 MST


In a message dated 1/4/00 12:46:45 PM Central Standard Time, hal@finney.org
writes:

> I see the 21st century memetic landscape as being far more diverse and
> complex than the mechanistic, rigid view of the past. We don't need to
> capture and occupy territory. Rather, we should expand the framework of
> ideas, seeking peaceful coexistence with those who have differing views.
> Our goal should not be to convert others to our memetic culture, but to
> embrace their differences. In diversity there is strength.

[once again, only time for a brief comment . . .] Hal, this sounds like a
very attractive way to address potential opposition to transhumanist goals.
but let me ask you, how would you apply these principles into action if
genetic engineering humans for the prupose of augmentation were outlawed
everywhere on the planet? I'm not saying that's likely, but I DO believe
that it is at least POSSIBLE. Can women in Afghanistan "peacefully coexist"
with the Taliban?

      Greg Burch <GBurch1@aol.com>----<gburch@lockeliddell.com>
      Attorney ::: Vice President, Extropy Institute ::: Wilderness Guide
      http://users.aol.com/gburch1 -or- http://members.aol.com/gburch1
        "We never stop investigating. We are never satisfied that we know
        enough to get by. Every question we answer leads on to another
       question. This has become the greatest survival trick of our species."
                                                -- Desmond Morris



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