Cyborg Buddha Blog
Secularism, State Power & Buddhism - (apologies for the echo)
The interview drifts into democratic and libertarian values, state control, humanism & enlightenment values, transhumanism, atheism and buddhism
James Hughes Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, is a bioethicist and sociologist at Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut where he teaches health policy and serves as Director of Institutional Research and Planning. He holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago, where he also taught bioethics at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. Dr. Hughes is author of Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond to the Redesigned Human of the Future , and is working on a second book tentatively titled Cyborg Buddha. Since 1999 he has produced a syndicated weekly radio program, Changesurfer Radio.
DOWNLOAD/LISTEN/VIEWJan 23, 2013
Interview with James Hughes
Adam FordAustralian transhumanist Adam Ford interviewed IEET Executive Director James J. Hughes at the December 1-2, 2012 Humanity+ meetings in San Francisco, at which Dr. Hughes and many other IEET fellows spoke.
Oct 18, 2012
Buddhism and Cognitive Enhancement: Self-Control, Renunciation, Honesty, and Wisdom (Part 3)
by J. HughesNeurotechnology can be used to enhance Buddhist virtues such as patience and equanimity; it provides help to those who are genetically disadvantaged.
Oct 17, 2012
Buddhism and Cognitive Enhancement - Chemical Happiness, Generosity and Loving-Kindness (Part 2)
by J. HughesIf the soteriological goal of Buddhism is to alleviate one’s own suffering, and the perfection of virtue is merely a tool to that end, is it possible to skip the enhancement of virtue and just use neurotechnology to eliminate suffering?
Oct 16, 2012
Using Neurotechnologies to Develop Virtues - A Buddhist Approach to Cognitive Enhancement (Part 1)
by J. HughesWill new tech in genetics and neurology be successfully used to suppress vices and enhance happiness and virtue? Will this accelerate spiritual progress and liberation in the Buddhist traditions? Is it dangerous to manipulate moods?
Oct 9, 2012
Morality in a Pill?
by J. HughesThe tragedy in Colorado (“Batman” mass murder) makes many of us wonder how we could better identify and treat people who are heading into psychopathic rage. [from a sermon delivered at the Unitarian-Universalist Society: East, July 22, 2012 and Unitarian Fellowship of Storrs, September 16, 2012]
Sep 24, 2012
Buddhism as a “Science of the Mind”
big thinkKadam Morten Clausen is a Buddhist teacher in the New Kadampa tradition, a modern, worldwide tradition founded by Buddhist master Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. He is the Resident Teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center NYC as well as the Vajra Light Buddhist Center in Hartsdale, NY.
Sep 5, 2012
Abolishing Suffering via Bio-Engineering and Drugs - would this cripple social activism and art?
by Hank PellissierThe abolition of suffering has been advanced for many years as a transhumanist ideal by IEET Fellow David Pearce. Recently, the Longevity Party engaged in a debate about it’s value.
Aug 31, 2012
How Do We Care For Future People? Buddhist and Jain Ideas for Reproductive Ethics (Part 3)
by J. HughesBuddhism and Jainism believe there is an evolutionary continuity between animals, humans and “gods,” and that all creatures will evolve from animals to a posthuman state. From a Keynote Address delivered at the International Jain Conference at Claremont Lincoln University, August 24-25, 2012.
Aug 29, 2012
How Do We Care For Future People? Buddhist and Jain Ideas for Reproductive Ethics (Part 2)
by J. HughesMy proposal is that instead of a binary approach to jiva/ajiva, or souled and soulless, the Buddhist and Jain ideas of ensoulment are open to an analog interpretation in line with neuroscience and ethology. From a Keynote Address delivered at the International Jain Conference at Claremont Lincoln University, August 24-25, 2012.
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