Transhumanism, metaphysics, and the posthuman god

J Med Philos. 2010 Dec;35(6):700-20. doi: 10.1093/jmp/jhq047. Epub 2010 Nov 18.

Abstract

After describing Heidegger's critique of metaphysics as ontotheology, I unpack the metaphysical assumptions of several transhumanist philosophers. I claim that they deploy an ontology of power and that they also deploy a kind of theology, as Heidegger meant it. I also describe the way in which this metaphysics begets its own politics and ethics. In order to transcend the human condition, they must transgress the human.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Biomedical Enhancement / ethics
  • Humanism*
  • Humans
  • Metaphysics*
  • Philosophy, Medical*
  • Religion*