Transhumanist Ethical Visions

Christian Transhumanism can be understood as a distinct ethical vision among the span of ethical visions that constitute the larger transhumanist movement.

Within the transhumanist movement, there are various articulated ethics, from:

  • (1) Radical individualism
    • Seeking to elevate oneself above all others.
    • A prime example of this ethic is Zoltan Istvan's "Transhumanist Wager".
  • (2) Radical humanism
    • Seeking to elevate humanity together.
    • Particularly by erasing disease, poverty, suffering, and extending human life and well-being.
    • A prime example of this ethic is Humanity+, formerly the World Transhumanist Association.
  • (3) Radical environmentalism
    • Seeking to elevate the entire biosphere.
    • Particularly by bioengineering the elimination of animal suffering and predation.
    • (This often draws on biblical imagery, such as lions and lambs lying down together.)
    • A prime example of this is David Pearce, co-founder of the World Transhumanist Association.

In the above framework, Christian Transhumanism can thus be understood as:

  • (4) Radical Christian mission
    • Seeking to pursue the ethical imperative of Christ.
      • Transforming humanity into the likeness of Christ;
      • Healing diseases (Matthew 10.8), feeding the hungry, clothing the naked (Matthew 25.34-40);
      • extending human life and well-being;
      • elevating people together in compassion and trust.
    • This can entail both technological advocacy, and ethical advocacy.
    • A prime example of this is the Christian Transhumanist Association, and the larger Christian Transhumanist community.