Philosophy 304eh - Seminar: Topic in Applied Ethics-Enhancing Humans: How We Could Do It, Whether We Should

Sem:T-Enhancing Humans

Spring
2023
01
4.00
Susan Levin

M 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM

Smith College
PHI-304eh-01-202303
Seelye 204
slevin@smith.edu
Humans have always sought to elevate the conditions of their existence. What differentiates enhancement’s strongest proponents, so-called transhumanists, from earlier thinkers like the ancient Greeks is their belief that crossing the divide from our plane of being to a higher one is possible, even inevitable, through humans’ technological ingenuity. Given their content and implications, scrutiny of transhumanists’ views is essential. Areas this colloquium addresses include transhumanists’ and their critics’ views of human nature; the implications of existing brain science for transhumanists’ more extravagant claims; their notions of knowledge, values and education; and transhumanists’ handling of risks, including those that are potentially grave. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required.

[CE] JR/SR only

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.