From: natashavita@earthlink.net
Date: Wed Apr 23 2003 - 12:09:49 MDT
On Tue, Apr 22, 2003 at 09:37:04PM -0400, Keith Elis wrote:
> Transhumanism and extropianism *do* seem to have a discernible roster of
> values. These have evolved considerably since I first started reading
> about transhumanism in 1996. Or, more precisely, the descriptions of
> these values have evolved considerably. Of course values such as reason,
> progress, improvement, growth, etc., are not themselves unique to
> transhumanism, but in combination they do describe a unique way of
> thinking about the universe.
I think Anders and other responses satisfy your quesinon. I'm just going
to add a thought:
Extropy is a philosophy of transhumanism. It is preferred not to use the
word "extropianism," but refer to the extropian philosophy. Further, the
fundamental ideas of transhsumanism were brought together by the same
person who wrote the extropian philosophy, Max More. Since transhumanist
basically want to improve the human condition in a positive way, being
careful about the use of technology and concerned about its affects on
humanity, is it plausible that extropy = transhumanism. Herein, extropy
has specific principles which explain/provide the ideas in obtaining the
aforesaid goals. Not all futurists are rational, logical and careful.
Futurist FM-2030's philosophy of Upwingers, which was his basis for his
writings on transhumans has a different perspective on the specific values
of a transhuman. His ideas are not equal to "transhumanism" in regards to
some accepted views, but are more sympathetic to a specific ideological
outlook as manifested by FM. Herein, FM was more interseted in
"transhuman" as an evolution rather than a movement or philosophy.
On another note, it is necessary to keep in mind that the extropian
philosophy of transhumanism is not a static concept. Because values change
over time, we must remain open to changes in our perceptions.
Best,
Natasha
____________________
Natasha Vita-More
http://www.natasha.cc
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