[ExI] What's in a transhumanist name? (was: YES! to Transhumanism)

[Damien Broderick]

At 03:52 PM 1/5/2009 -0500, Dave wrote:

>I thought it was based on:
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Engineer
>
>Which I've never heard anyone criticize as juvenile-sounding.

A wiki subheading leads to the rather good:

===================

         OBLIGATION OF AN ENGINEER

I am an Engineer, in my profession I take deep pride. To it I owe 
solemn obligations.

Since the Stone Age, human progress has been spurred by the 
engineering genius. Engineers have made usable Nature's vast 
resources of material and energy for Humanity's [Mankind's] benefit. 
Engineers have vitalized and turned to practical use the principles 
of science and the means of technology. Were it not for this heritage 
of accumulated experience, my efforts would be feeble.

As an Engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, 
tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and 
the dignity of my profession, conscious always that my skill carries 
with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of 
Earth's precious wealth.

As an Engineer[, in humility and with the need for Divine guidance,] 
I shall participate in none but honest enterprises. When needed, my 
skill and knowledge shall be given without reservation for the public 
good. In the performance of duty and in fidelity to my profession, I 
shall give the utmost.

Note: Brackets indicate the original wording of the Obligation. 
Either wording is acceptable, but new certificates have the newer wording.

===========

The distinction seems pretty clear, which is why it's not juvenile. 
These folks really *are* engineers, they don't just play one in World 
of Bashing Imaginary Stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with 
bashing imaginary stuff, or even bashing it out as I've been known to do.

Damien Broderick