Transhumanism is the position that humans should be able to use technology to enhance and modify human abilities beyond normal biological constraints. It aims to expand human cognition and bodily functions through means like biotechnology and cybernetics. Transhumanists see limitations in human intelligence and bodies and want to use technology to achieve more positive experiences. Examples of precursor technologies include plastic surgery, artificial limbs, and organ transplants. Transhumanism could develop further in the next 20-30 years through emerging technologies like bio-3D printing, brain-computer interfaces, and synthetic blood cells. However, its development and social effects will depend on the level of regulation and social attitudes toward human enhancement.

2. What is
Transhumanism?

4. • ‘What a piece of work is a man! How noble in
reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and
moving how express and admirable! In action
how like an Angel! in apprehension how like a
god!’
• -Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

5. Transhumanism is the position that
human beings should be permitted
to use technology to modify and
enhance human cognition and
bodily function, expanding abilities
and capacities beyond current
biological constraints.
Transhumanism is characterized by
a set of core values emphasizing
positive experience and recognizing
the limitations of human cognition
and embodiment in achieving
maximally positive experience.

6. • Precursor sciences
•Plastic surgery
• Artificial Limbs
• Organ transplants
• Period of
investigation:
• The next 20-30 years

7. Number of plastic surgery procedures in the US:
14000000
12000000
10000000
8000000
6000000
4000000
2000000
0
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015
Source: surgery.org
2017

8. •
Source : http://www.giftoflife.on.ca/en/stats.htm

9. Weak signals
• Bio-3D printing
• Brain wave study
Wild cards
• Bio-nano
technology
• Synthetic red blood
cells
• Brain transfer

10. 3D Organ printing
“Tissue engineering technology
promises to solve the organ
transplantation crisis.
However, assembly of vascularized 3D
soft organs remains a big challenge.
Organ printing, which we define as
computer-aided, jet-based
3D tissue-engineering of living human
organs, offers a possible solution.”
Source :Vladimir Mironov, Thomas Boland. Thomas Trusk, Gabor Forgacs and Roger R. Markwald:
Organ printing: computer-aided jet-based 3D tissue engineering

13. Scenarios /
Variables
Freely
Transformable
Light Regulation
Dictatorial Regulation
Done by
multiple
organizations,
Tech
diverse and
Development fast-paced
Development is
tied to approval,
fewer but still
diverse
organizations,
fast-paced.
Concentrated, more
directionalized, possibly
focusing only on certain
aspects (Eg: Military
use, etc.)
Minimal development.
Significance in Regular, every
personal life day.
The possibility of
change, under
certain
circumstances
(Medical, etc.).
Limited to small
interested parties.
Conservative Attitude
Insignificant.
Social tension
Change on the
(inequalities,
most basic
Chance at lifestyle bureaucracy,
Social Effects levels.
improvement
corruption)
Social resistance
against technology
Development Strong
of countries
competition
International
Agreements
Armsrace
Anti-transhumanism
laws.
Significant
Age-averages Improvement
Slight
Improvement
Layered Improvement
Stagnation

15. Production based
Demand Based
3D Printing
Genetic diseases and epidemics, life
span extension
Bionics
Disabilities
Direct neural interfaces
Job specific demands
Nano-technology
Social media and always online society
Military technology
Adaptation to change

16. Oh, wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world,
That has such people in ’t!
-The Tempest, Act V, Scene 1