Integral transhumanism: The holistic leap forward.

摘要

Transhumanism champions the emerging use of biotechnological enhancement to perfect our biologically-based human limitations. This study evaluates both the contemporary bioethical discourse on enhancement, and the transhumanist movement itself, in light of Ken Wilber's Integral Theory of development. Wilber's paradigm synthesizes descriptive and normative theories from a vast array of disciplines, generating a holistic approach to developmental theory that emphasizes a particular need for balance in any evolving system. The application of Integral Theory to enhancement reveals that transhumanism overemphasizes both autonomy at the expense of justice, and rationality at the expense of spirituality, in its idea of progress.;By looking to indigenous traditions of shamanism, we find models of cognitive and spiritual enhancement that are experientially and structurally grounded in the maintenance of the common good. As a guiding metaphor, and as a practical application, shamanic insight can both shape transhumanism into an inherently ethical worldview and social institution, and harness its growing momentum to help transform individuals and society as a whole into more just, holistic, and integral manifestations of the human pursuit of perfection.