| Humanity+ | |
| Dissolved: | --> |
| Focus: | --> |
| Location: | Wilton, Connecticut |
| Region Served: | --> |
| Languages: | --> |
| Publication: | --> |
| Parent Organisation: | --> |
| Renaming: | Humanity+, Inc. |
| Executive Director: | Natasha Vita-More |
| Formal Name Change: | 2006 |
Humanity+ (also Humanity Plus; formerly the World Transhumanist Association) is a non-profit international educational organization that advocates the ethical use of technologies and evidence-based science to improve the human condition.
Humanity+, Inc. originated as an organization under the name World Transhumanist Association. In 1998, the World Transhumanist Association (WTA) was founded by Nick Bostrom and David Pearce.[1] In 2002, it was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. WTA began working toward the recognition of transhumanism as a legitimate subject of scientific inquiry and public policy, and to add to the academic presence already created by Extropy Institute in the fields of computer science, AI, nanotechnology, and philosophy.
At its inception, WTA officials considered that social forces could undermine their futurist visions and needed to be addressed.[2] A particular concern is the equal access to human enhancement technologies across classes and borders.[3] To increase longevity and boost physiological processes, this also involves targeted improvements and therapeutic interventions.[4] Cochlear implants[5] and genetic engineering are two examples of medical innovations, as are wearable technology like smart phones. In opposition to anthropocentric hegemony and in favor of the appropriate application of technology to maximize human potential, Humanity+ encourages knowledge of and respect for the diversity of life forms on Earth.[6]
In 2006, William Saletan reported a political struggle within World Transhumanist Association that erupted in 2004 largely between the libertarian right and the liberal left resulting in a centre-leftward positioning that continued to polarize politics under its former executive director James Hughes.[7]
The field of medicine is always developing, improving human health in addition to curing diseases and wounds. Although there are no intrinsic problems with trying to get better, there are ethical issues to consider.[8] Promoting health and responsible technology use are top priorities for Humanity+. Members practice mental health techniques like meditation, wellness diets, and physical activity. They also stress self-responsibility, empathy, and charity and take part in initiatives like Quantified Self.[9]
Why Democratic Societies Must Respond to the Redesigned Human of the Future
. Westview Press. 2004. 0-8133-4198-1.