Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, recently announced the next generation of his company's humanoid robots. He hinted at the imminent production of a more advanced generation capable of performing complex tasks previously thought to be exclusive to humans, such as "carrying embryos" and "providing childcare." Furthermore, Musk suggested that the number of robots would surpass the global population by 2040.
These developments and statements about the future raise numerous questions regarding the position of "humans" in such a world. If all physical and intellectual functions of humans are transferred to other entities, will humans remain the "center of the universe," as assumed by the principles of humanism? Furthermore, what would hybrid societies, where humans coexist with robots, look like, and who would lead whom?
As artificial intelligence-powered chips or prosthetics enhance human capabilities, we must carefully consider the implications. Who will benefit from these enhancements, and who will hold the power to make crucial decisions and choices? Moreover, we need to address the potential consequences for those left behind in this technological advancement.
Moreover, as we witness a technological leap in humanoid or social robots, fundamental questions arise: Which human do these robots resemble, and what value systems do they follow? To which cultural heritage do they belong? Is it possible to discuss a universal human model these robots emulate, and if so, what would its features be?
Ultimately, these advancements lead us to ponder: Has humanity, as we know it, reached its end, ushering in the "Posthuman" era? And why do some idealize this transition while others take a pessimistic stance?
The Rise of Post-humanism
The concept of "posthumanism" has garnered significant attention across philosophical discourse, technological studies, and science fiction literature. Sparking intellectual debate, it has given rise to related movements advocating for various forms of "posthumanism," introducing terms such as transhumanism and Meta-humanism. While these concepts differ in certain aspects, they converge on one key conclusion: the end of humanity as we currently understand it. Amid the increasing integration of humans with machines, the emergence of cyborgs (human-like robots), and advancements in biotechnologies, the term "humanity" can no longer adequately define "who we are." Furthermore, this shift is accompanied by greater human-environment integration and the dawn of the Anthropocene era, further blurring the lines of traditional human identity.
The Decline of Humanism
Before delving into "Posthumanism," it is essential to understand "Humanism" and its long-standing premises, which are now fading. Humanism emerged as a philosophical movement during the Renaissance in the 17th century, shifting focus from theology to human beings. This movement placed human agency at the forefront, advocating for humanity's responsibility for its fate and reliance on its own efforts to meet needs and desires, rather than depending on deities and mystical beliefs that dominated medieval Europe.
Western writings note that Humanism reclaimed control of human destiny from God, placing it in the hands of rational individuals—though at the time, "rational individuals" primarily referred to white men. While this philosophy is associated with the Enlightenment and human liberation, it predominantly acknowledged the rationality of white men, relegating non-whites to a "less human" status—a subject beyond the scope of this article.
Humanism's foundation rested on the belief in the unique value, agency, and moral superiority of humans over all other creatures, rooted in humanity's ethical and moral frameworks. This perspective positioned humans as the center of the universe—a principle known as "human centrism" or "Anthropocentrism". Such a paradigm prevailed until roughly the 1990s when rapid and qualitative technological advancements began challenging it.
As technology advanced, some thinkers questioned whether humans would remain the sole moral agents of the world. They argued that in this new technological age, viewing the world as a moral hierarchy with humans at its apex might lose relevance.
The Path to Post-humanism
Post-humanism serves as an umbrella term encompassing various concepts and intellectual schools of thought, with two central ones being:
1. Post-humanism:
This concept critiques the traditional view of humans as central and distinct beings in the universe. It seeks to dismantle binary distinctions that have long governed Western philosophy, such as human/non-human, nature/culture, and subject/object. By aiming to redefine agency, post-humanism includes non-human entities, such as the environment and machines, within the sphere of influence and impact. The framework highlights the fluid, interconnected nature of humanity with non-human entities. As rapid advancements in AI, biotechnology, and robotics continue to blur the lines separating humans from non-humans, profound questions arise about human identity, autonomy, ethics, and the role of technology in shaping future societies.
2. Transhumanism:
In contrast to Post-humanism, Transhumanism focuses on enhancing human capabilities through technology, bioengineering, genetics, and nanotechnology. The movement seeks to surpass human biological limitations to achieve unprecedented levels of physical, cognitive, and even psychological performance. Inspired by traditional Humanism, Transhumanism redefines human potential in line with modern technological possibilities.
Proponents of Transhumanism claim that humans will undergo radical transformation in the coming century through implants, biological enhancements, and cognitive advancements, leading to an "evolution" into beings fundamentally different from what we are today. Ray Kurzweil, a leading Google engineer, asserts that the rapid pace of technological development will end human history as we know it, paving the way for entirely new forms of existence beyond current human comprehension.
A prominent example of this transformation is the concept of cyborgs, which enables individuals to overcome biological limitations with smart devices. This real-world application of integrating humans with machines enhances capabilities, facilitating the transition to a posthuman existence. Notable cases include Peter Scott-Morgan, a British scientist diagnosed with motor neuron disease, who underwent a series of complex procedures to replace biological systems with AI-powered devices, transforming himself into "Peter 2.0." Similarly, Neil Harbisson overcame color blindness by integrating an electronic device with his brain.
While both Post-humanism and Transhumanism present visions of humanity's future and the role of technology, they differ in their approaches. Post-humanism advocates transcending human centrality in favor of a comprehensive, multi-agent perspective, while Transhumanism seeks to reinforce human centrality through technological enhancement. These frameworks offer innovative perspectives but also raise profound ethical and philosophical questions about what it means to be "human" in the future.
