In 2003, the idea that one might have a freedom to change one’s body and brain as one liked was being discussed in relation to the Transhumanist FAQ. This idea receives much less attention in the current FAQ, where it is largely replaced by a lesser freedom to enhance. This is interesting, because morphological freedom has significant implications.
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Posted by
Hanna on 11/25 at 01:35 PM
Experience (the great philosophical bedrock, according to another IEET blogger) verifies the assertion that the world’s reaction changes to different guises. Somewhat of a paradox in a world so riddled with indifference. But to be expected in a world mezmerised by appearance and ‘crust’ values. It is this fixation on the superficial that may obscure the depth of the debate about morphological freedom.
For this new type of freedom, authored by free minds and spurred by technological innovation, might challenge the prejudiced and stereotypical reactions as conditioned and constrained by our present physical/societal state.
A state not exactly of morphological incarceration, but one constrained by fact and flesh none the less.
What the superficial lenses obscure, is that diversity is a virtue for challenging prejudice. In tandem, adaptability is a virtue which should help humans cope with the change implicit in morphological freedom.
But, as we threat/mate assess our counterparts in social interactions, so are we likely to be threatened by the seemingly infinite capacity for change heralded by this new type of freedom.
However, as the old truism goes, change might be the only constant and the sooner we see that the sooner we can embrace morphological freedom.
Upload more stimulating posts, HB!
Posted by
Alexander Conorto on 12/03 at 06:19 PM
Morphological and mindstate freedom, if taken over a certain threshold, becomes incompatible with personal identity in the form we know it. We will all merge together unless we consciously slow down the pace of technological development and legislation. It is our own choice. On the other hand, there is a need for a highly intelligent hive mind/collective consciousness if we want to minimize the global existential risks. The question is whether we shall merge into it ourselves or build it as something separate (AGI) and trust that it will tolerate the continued existence of our current shapes.
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