The transhumanist problem

Abstract

In this paper, I argue against full-­-fledged transhumanism, i.e. the endeavour to erect a trans-­-or posthuman species. My claim is that the serious entertaining of transhumanist ideals as a significant and compulsory reference point for practical thinking is a manifestation of a mentality which is in a deep sense contradictory, delusional and anti-­-realist. Summarily, the problem with transhumanism (and the mechanisms on route to the new state of being) is that it entails a kind of conceptual contradiction: the attainment of the ideal non-­-alienating state of being necessitates a revolutionary, total alienation and disruption.