Vital Foresight: The Case For Active Transhumanism

More about the book

Accelerating technological change threatens to shatter the human condition in multiple ways. We – all of us – face profound questions over the management of artificial intelligence, nanoscale computers, bio-engineering, cognitive enhancements, ubiquitous robots, drone swarms, nuclear power, planet-scale geo-engineering, and much more.What these technologies enable is, potentially, a world of extraordinary creativity, unprecedented freedom, and abundant wellbeing. That’s provided we can see clearly enough, in advance, the major disruptive opportunities we will need to seize and steer, so we can reach that destination. And provided we can step nimbly through a swath of treacherous landmines along the way.That’s no small undertaking. It will take all our wisdom and strength. It’s going to require the very highest calibre of foresight.Happily, assistance is at hand. What this book demonstrates is that vital foresight from the field of active transhumanism can help us all:1.) To resist unwarranted tech hype, whilst remaining aware that credible projections of today’s science and engineering could enable sweeping improvements in the human condition;2.) To distinguish future scenarios with only superficial attractions from those with lasting, sustainable benefits;3.) To move beyond the inaction of future shock, so we can coalesce around practical initiatives that advance deeply positive outcomes.