Humanism versus Transhumanism: Prognosis and Project

The article substantiates the relevance of the humanist ideal in the contemporary era of profound technological and social transformations. These changes have given rise to a debate on the future of the human species, within which the concepts of transhumanism and posthumanism emerge as radical alternatives to classical humanism. The author critically analyzes three primary versions of transhumanist thought. The first is concerned with the transformation of human corporeality through “enhancement” and the achievement of “digital immortality.” The author demonstrates the illusory nature of this goal, emphasizing that even its hypothetical realization would lead to the loss of fundamental values (love, courage, compassion, responsibility) that are inextricably linked to human finitude and embodiment. Proponents of the second version propose dissolving the human into the world of nature and machines by endowing the latter with rights and responsibilities. Critiquing this approach, the author asserts human uniqueness, defined by consciousness, free will, and the capacity to act within cultural and moral-legal norms – preconditions for legal personhood that animals and machines lack. The third version of transhumanism proclaims the inevitable displacement of humanity from the pinnacle of evolution by superintelligent machines. However, it is argued that artificial intelligence, despite its impressive capabilities in data processing and content generation, is fundamentally distinct from human intelligence due to its lack of causal understanding and its inability to engage in genuine creativity beyond the recombination of existing patterns. It is shown that these transhumanist scenarios are not so much predictions as they are dangerous ideological projects. In contrast, a renewed humanist ideal is presented as the only productive guiding principle in the face of these anthropological challenges. This ideal calls not for the abandonment of essential human qualities, but for their preservation and development through adaptation to new realities, affirming the enduring value of freedom, creativity, moral autonomy, empathy, and responsibility. It is adherence to humanism, rather than capitulation to technology, that opens a viable path to the future for humanity.

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