THE INDISPENSABILITY OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSHUMANISM: TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE VISION OF HUMAN PERFECTIBILITY

Abstract

ranshumanism is a philosophical and cultural movement advocating the development Tand deployment of technology to enhance human physical and cognitive abilities, ultimately transcending biological limitations for the betterment of humanity. This is exemplified in the advancements of artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, genetic engineering, brain computer interfaces, cloning, nanotechnology, and cybernetics. Although, these scientific breakthroughs highlight humanity's natural imperfections, it howeverdemonstrates that deficiencies in humans can be overcome and it offers hope for future perfection. Consequently, it could be deduced that when human reasoning and capabilities are sufficiently augmented and applied to science and technology, the environment and human inhabitants would be optimized for perfection. In spite of this, transhumanism presents only an atomistic, rather than holistic, understanding of human perfectibility, emphasizing technological enhancements over integrated development. Inclusive human perfectibility should becontingent upon self-engineering- the ability of humans to reason and deploy machines with a view to overcoming complex moral dilemma and situations. Aptly put, inclusive human perfectibility therefore requires the development and harmonization of good behavior with transhumanist's engendered physical and cognitive fitness. To neglect human moral perfectibility in a world plagued by conflict and inhumanity would render holistic perfectibility elusive and validate the skepticism that humans cannot sufficiently control themselves and their environment for overall well-being. In other words, transhumanism's focus on external enhancements must be complemented by introspective moral development to achieve true human perfectibility. The paper employs critical, analytical and prescriptive approaches to argue that, a more comprehensive understanding of human perfectibility through transhumanism requires acknowledging both the external and moral aspects of human nature. Technological advancements that does not address human moral weaknesses, vices, and redirect them toward the good cannot guarantee holistic human perfection. When this integration in moral development is factored into transhumanism it would contribute significantly to global peace and productive interpersonal relationships.