An Uncharted Excursion into the Philosopy of Reality

The concept of imagination is based on thinking beyond reality.
But as I have already covered, reality is based on what we have experienced.
So then, imagination has to be based on experience as well.
The availability of computers and a broad expanse of knowledge is
expanding our experiences, such as the Muslim women from Malaysia.

The new question is if technology will generate knowledge directly to our brains.
Although the concept seems far off, the idea remains. Just as Socrates viewed reality through his writing in the Allegory of the Cave, we shall contemplate the reality of the web and technology.

The following is quoted from the Transhumanists Homepage.

Transhumanism advocates the use of technology to overcome our
biological limitations and transform the human condition.
At the present time or in the near future, human capabilities will be extended through such means as genetic engineering, memory-enhancing drugs, collaborative information-filtering, smart agents, intelligence amplification, wearable computers, and the Internet. In the slightly longer term, the accelerating pace of technological development opens up such revolutionary prospects as superhuman artificial intelligence and molecular nanotechnology

(1) Humanity will be radically changed by technology in the future. We foresee the feasibility of redesigning the human condition, including such parameters as the inevitability of ageing, limitations on human and artificial intellects, unchosen psychology, suffering, and our confinement to the planet earth.

(2) Systematic research should be put into understanding these coming developments and their long-term consequences.

(3) Transhumanists think that by being generally open and embracing of new technology we have a better chance of turning it to our advantage than if we try to ban or prohibit it.

(4) Transhumanists advocate the moral right for those who so wish to use technology to extend their mental and physical capacities and to improve their control over their own lives. We seek personal growth beyond our current biological limitations.

(5) In planning for the future, it is mandatory to take into account the prospect of dramatic technological progress. It would be tragic if the potential benefits failed to materialize because of ill-motivated technophobia and unnecessary prohibitions. On the other hand, it would also be tragic if intelligent life went extinct because of some disaster or war involving advanced technologies.

(6) We need to create forums where people can rationally debate what needs to be done, and a social order where responsible decisions can be implemented.

(7) Transhumanism advocates the well-being of all sentience (whether in artificial intellects, humans, non-human animals, or possible extraterrestrial species) and encompasses many principles of modern secular humanism. Transhumanism does not support any particular party, politician or political platform.

The following persons have contributed to this document: Doug Bailey, Anders Sandberg, Gustavo Alves, Max More, Holger Wagner, Natasha Vita More, Eugene Leitl, Berrie Staring, David Pearce, Bill Fantegrossi, Doug Baily Jr., den Otter, Ralf Fletcher, Kathryn Aegis, Tom Morrow, Alexander Chislenko, Lee Daniel Crocker, Darren Reynolds, Keith Elis, Thom Quinn, Mikhail Sverdlov, Arjen Kamphuis, Shane Spaulding, Nick Bostrom

End of Quote

The hope I have for the future is that technology be used for the good of the world.
Of course, history proves that most technology is corrupted at some point.
We should all be aware of the issues and attempt to promote greater learning and understanding about using technology for the improvement of society.


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