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Humanity+

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Humanity+
Formation2004; 20 years ago (2004)
Location
Executive Director
Natasha Vita-More
Websitewww.humanityplus.org

Humanity+ (also Humanity Plus; formerly the World Transhumanist Association) is a non-profit international educational organization that advocates the ethical use of technologies and evidence-based science to improve the human condition.

History

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Humanity+, Inc. originated as an organization under the name World Transhumanist Association. In 1998, the World Transhumanist Association (WTA) was founded by Nick Bostrom and David Pearce.[1] In 2002, it was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. WTA began working toward the recognition of transhumanism as a legitimate subject of scientific inquiry and public policy, and to add to the academic presence already created by Extropy Institute in the fields of computer science, AI, nanotechnology, and philosophy.

At its inception, WTA officials considered that social forces could undermine their futurist visions and needed to be addressed.[2] A particular concern is the equal access to human enhancement technologies across classes and borders.[3] To increase longevity and boost physiological processes, this also involves targeted improvements and therapeutic interventions.[4] Cochlear implants[5] and genetic engineering are two examples of medical innovations, as are wearable technology like smart phones. In opposition to anthropocentric hegemony and in favor of the appropriate application of technology to maximize human potential, Humanity+ encourages knowledge of and respect for the diversity of life forms on Earth.[6]

In 2006, William Saletan reported a political struggle within World Transhumanist Association that erupted in 2004 largely between the libertarian right and the liberal left resulting in a centre-leftward positioning that continued to polarize politics under its former executive director James Hughes.[3][7]

"Better Than Well"

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The field of medicine is always developing, improving human health in addition to curing diseases and wounds. Although there are no intrinsic problems with trying to get better, there are ethical issues to consider.[8] Promoting health and responsible technology use are top priorities for Humanity+. Members practice mental health techniques like meditation, wellness diets, and physical activity. They also stress self-responsibility, empathy, and charity and take part in initiatives like Quantified Self.[9]

Advisors and members

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References

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  1. ^ Sutherland, John (2006-05-09). "The ideas interview: Nick Bostrom". The Guardian.
  2. ^ Hughes, James (2004). Citizen Cyborg: Why Democratic Societies Must Respond to the Redesigned Human of the Future. Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-4198-1.
  3. ^ a b Ford, Alyssa (May–June 2005). "Humanity: The Remix". Utne Magazine. Archived from the original on 13 March 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
  4. ^ Singh, Ben; Olds, Timothy; Curtis, Rachel; Dumuid, Dorothea; Virgara, Rosa; Watson, Amanda; Szeto, Kimberley; O'Connor, Edward; Ferguson, Ty; Eglitis, Emily; Miatke, Aaron; Simpson, Catherine EM; Maher, Carol (2023-09-01). "Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 57 (18): 1203–1209. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-106195. ISSN 0306-3674. PMC 10579187. PMID 36796860.
  5. ^ "Cochlear Implant FAQs - What is a Cochlear Implant? - American Cochlear Implant Alliance". www.acialliance.org. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  6. ^ "Mission". Humanity+. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  7. ^ Saletan, William (2006-06-04). "Among the Transhumanists". Slate.com. Archived from the original on 2006-12-31. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
  8. ^ Garasic, Mirko D. (May 2014). "Better Humans? Understanding the Enhancement Project by M.Hauskeller, 2013 Durham, NC, Acumen Publishingix + 212 pp, £18.99 (pb)". Journal of Applied Philosophy. 31 (2): 215–217. doi:10.1111/japp.12047. ISSN 0264-3758.
  9. ^ Tozzo, Pamela (2014-05-13). "Allen Buchanan: Better than human: the promise and perils of enhancing ourselves". Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics. 35 (3): 247–248. doi:10.1007/s11017-014-9294-4. ISSN 1386-7415.
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