Mormon Transhumanism

If you like science and technology and are interested in their potential to better the human race, then you might be interested in the Mormon Transhumanist Association (MTA). The MTA was formed by a group of LDS (and some non-LDS) who see technology as playing a role in the fulfillment of prophecy, especially as it concerns the health, longevity, capacity, and immortality of humans. As outlined in their affirmation:

(1) We seek the spiritual and physical exaltation of individuals and their anatomies, as well as communities and their environments, according to their wills, desires and laws, to the extent they are not oppressive.

(2) We believe that scientific knowledge and technological power are among the means ordained of God to enable such exaltation, including realization of diverse prophetic visions of transfiguration, immortality, resurrection, renewal of this world, and the discovery and creation of worlds without end.

(3) We feel a duty to use science and technology according to wisdom and inspiration, to identify and prepare for risks and responsibilities associated with future advances, and to persuade others to do likewise.

The MTA wrote an article for the March 2007 Sunstone that outlines their ideas. Transhumanist terminology can seem strange: neo-humans, post-humans, technological singularity, and so forth. But if you read the article, I think you will find that the authors did a good job of relating such science fiction to the gospel and things you already believe. Even if you can't see yourself adopting transhumanist ideas, I think you will find the article interesting, and perhaps even faith promoting.

For convenience, below is the Transhumanist Declaration of the World Transhumanist Association, with which the MTA is affiliated.

(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 aging, 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 (including reproductive) 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 progress in technological capabilities. It would be tragic if the potential benefits failed to materialize because of 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, posthumans, or non- human animals) and encompasses many principles of modern humanism. Transhumanism does not support any particular party, politician or political platform

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