The humanist roots of technoscientific transhumanism

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to consider in what sense the technoscientific transhumanist project represents a theoretical revolution that radically alters our traditional conception of the human being. The article starts by presenting the key arguments and concepts of the contemporary debate between bioconservatism and posthumanism, which can be reduced to two positions: naturalist and humanist. In order to analyze each of these positions they are considered within the frame of their philosophical traditions and recent technoscientific developments. As responses to the transhumanist phenomenon, both are found to be highly problematic and multivocal. Subsequently, the article contemplates the extent to which transhumanism is embedded within the tradition of philosophical humanism by examining the concept of the human being that emerges in relation to different aspects of its arguments. By carefully analyzing classical humanistic thought, it is possible to identify the framework of ideas and beliefs that lead to a definition of transhumanism as the apotheosis and consummation of the metaphysical and anthropocentric project of anti-essentialist theoretical humanism. The paper concludes by proposing a reorientation of the transhumanist project that would give priority to political questions that respond to emancipatory interests, which is necessary for the establishment of a practical humanism that can inspire the development of an alternative socio-economic system.