[extropy-chat] Transhumanism: Social Equality and Politics

[natashavita at earthlink.net]

Original Message:

>From: Giu1i0 Pri5c0 gpmap at runbox.com

>I think all transhumanists read the press, watch TV, and have more or less
>defined political views. Some transhumanists are actively involved on one
>or
>another political movement. As I must have said a couple of times, I think
>the core values and goals of transhumanism (desirability of improving the
>human condition with all means, including radical use of advanced
>technology) are equally compatible with the two main political camps found
>in the transhumanist movement (social-democratic and libertarian).

Yes, I understand what you are stating, however aren't we limiting
ourselves by cashing in to two camps that are not based in transhumanism?

>Discussion on which of the two camps has the Truth is usually heated and
>produces little result. I tend to lean more toward the social-democratic
>camp but the question makes little sense to me: the Truth, if such a thing
>exists, is probably complex and cannot be captured by a simple slogan.
>Probably any workable solution for today's world will require elements from
>both approaches.

As a socialist, do you (general, not personal) think that we should hold
back on advances until all humanity can share the advances equally?  Or,
the opposite extreme - do you think that each person should be out for
himself and get what he wants regardless of who might be left behind?

>Transhumanism cannot be a political movement because it is fragmented on
>the
>very issues that are the object of politics: taxation, economic policy,
>social policy, foreign policy, defense... if we have not agreed on these
>things so far my bet is that we will never agree. At the same time, like it
>or not, politics has and will continue to have a tremendous impact on the
>issues that we transhumanists focus on.

Rightfully so, transhumanism is *not* a political movement, it is a
philosophical/cultural movement.  My reason for continuously writing about
this (every few months to be exact) is that I do think we need to develop a
strategy that is not one party against another, or one transhumanist
political position against or accusing another.  This erodes the very sense
of reason establshed in the foundation of transhumanism.


>Transhumanists, or groups of transhumanists, can and do take an active role
>in the mainstream political movement that they prefer. This should be
>encouraged. I think the time we spend arguing about politics in
>transhumanist fora, would be spent much more productively arguing about
>transhumanism in political fora, where we should push for life extension
>research, the relinquishment of unnecessarily strict legislation in genetic
>research and therapies, the acceptance of the proactionary principle, fight
>Kass,... We should try developing solid arguments and the best ways to sell
>them to audiences of different political persuasion.

Precisely. Thank you.  

Now, I'm going back to the drawing board.  Great!

Natasha

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