I have recently come across an idea that I find shocking, horrifying and intriguing all at the same time. This idea is known as transhumanism. I heard a segment about transhumanistic ethics and was greatly disturbed. While it is disturbing from an ethical and spiritual standpoint, it should concern us as educators as well.
If you read much about this strange, terrifying and wonderful idea, it becomes very clear that we are not preparing today's generation with the philosophical skills needed to deal with such complicated ideas. The dilemmas created by emerging technologies dictate an astute population to deal with them. Furthermore, with our standards-driven curriculum, we are not allowed room within the science class to discuss these issues...of course a philosophy class in high school?...lol.
Regardless, our current and future generations will be making the decisions on such ideas. We must prepare them to make the political, scientific and ethical decisions that will dictate their future.
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Very interesting, David. I had never heard of the word or the movement before. I can imagine both positive and negative consequences of such a movement -- but what an intersting thing to comtemplate!
ReplyDeleteDavid, I haven't heard of the term before but I can't agree more with your assessment of preparedness for an assured future as you described. The term I use to describe this generation is Entitlement. A philosophy class is more than applicable...teaching people to think for themselves??! What an idea??!!
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