Humans, Transhumans and Humanoids

Abstract

This chapter introduces the reader to the field of transhumanism and some of the most important philosophers contributing to this recent movement. Related philosophical issues such as moral standing and personhood theory are presented. The possibilities of genetic engineering as a means to fundamentally alter the nature of humankind are discussed, along with the concepts of animal-human hybrids, computer-human hybrids, and fully artificial beings. These ideas are presented to support the premise that there is no unique and unalterable biological form that constitutes humanity, and that our concept of what it means to be human will be forced to evolve in the face of new biotechnologies such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, all of which have the potential to alter our nature and character in ethically profound ways.