The Promise of Increased Quality of Life
Philosophical Background of Artificial Intelligence and Transhumanism
Regine Kather presents the philosophical and anthropological backgrounds of artificial intelligence (AI) and transhumanism, in addition to their practical effects. Entirely in the tradition of humanism, they promise an increase in the quality of life, health, security and life expectancy.
While the limited AI only replaces individual human services and has no consciousness, transhumanism aims for the optimisation and evolutionary further development of the human species. One of the crucial problems within this context is the relationship of the body and spirit: Can the two be separated from each other – or is the bodily location in space-time indispensable for the development of a personal identity? It is definitely important not to see only AI's undeniable risks, but also its possibilities and opportunities. However, technical progress reaches its limits in terms of existential experiences and the question of a meaningful life.
Consequently, the author concludes that it is necessary to cultivate not only cognitive and physical optimisation but also forms of self-transcendence as the precondition for participating in the world of nature, fellow human beings and a transcendent existence.
- Self-optimisation and crossing boundaries: a human dream
- Philosophical classification of artificial intelligence and transhumanism
- Plea for holistic personality development
