A Cautionary Analysis of Transhumanist Philosophy Essay -- Philosophy

To understand many of the dangers and shortcomings of these technological ambitions, it is essential to first understand the philosophy which has become so synonymous with these efforts. Transhumanism can best be described as a philosophy which advocates the use of technology in order to improve not only the quality of life of human beings, but also their lifespan, mental capacity, and physical ability. In essence, transhumanism is a radical extension of humanism. Similar to humanists, transhumanists value â€Å"rational thinking, freedom, tolerance, democracy, and concern for our fellow human beings.† The major difference in the case of transhumanism, however, is the additional belief in improving not only the â€Å"human condition and the external world,† but the human species as a whole. When arguing for biological enhancements, transhumanists typically refer to a belief in the autonomy th ijntje Smits. â€Å"A European Approach to Human Enhancement.† Paper presented at the European Union Science and Technology Options Assessment workshop, Brussels, Belgium, February 24, 2009. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/events/workshop/20090224/background_en.pdf (accessed March 24, 2010). Aubrey de Grey, â€Å"The War on Aging.† In The Scientific Conquest of Death, edited by Bruce J. Klein, 29-45. Buenos Aires: LibrosEnRed, 2004. http://www.imminst.org/SCOD.pdf (accessed March 24, 2010). Andy Miah. â€Å"Be Very Afraid: Cyborg Athletes, Transhuman Ideals Posthumanity.† Jounral of Evolution Technology 13, no. 1. (October 2003), http://jetpress.org/volume13/miah.html (accessed March 24, 2010). Andy Miah. â€Å"Posthumanism: A Critical History.† In Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity, edited by Ruth Chadwick and Bert Gordjin, 71-94. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2009.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum Unit Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Interdisciplinary Curriculum Unit - Assignment Example enabled me to appreciate the interdependencies that exists between living organism on the universe and their importance in the environment in which we live. This study has enabled the appreciation of the need to the adoption of certain lifestyles for healthy living conditions for living organisms. I am motivated by the enormous knowledge that I have gathered in the course of my research work. During this process I managed to learn more about the living organisms’ interrelationships and their duties in the environmental sustainability (Anderson, 2001). I acquired much important knowledge on the study of human body particularly the cell membrane and its components. However, my research work did not cover the entirety of the human body organs and their functions and as such; I intend to carry on with my research on that section of study. As a teacher, I believe that such firsthand information will impact positively in my career as a biology teacher. This will enable me to impact my students with analytical skills useful in the study of biology. This study has enabled me to acquire the knowledge of making materials more salient. This has helped to create opportunities for research at an appropriate level which will help me teach on research more competently. With this experience, I managed to adopt and create a molecular evolution lab for teaching the DNA sequential data (Benjamin, 2002). This study has also enabled the integration to parallel disciplines associated with independent learning like reading literature, data evaluation and concepts, logic associated with trouble shooting, and synthesis of conclusions. This has enabled the development in key areas interrelated to the study such as the literature in science and use of mathematical models in the analysis of findings, as well as history through the inquiry (Benjamin, 2002). The subject matter in this integrated curriculum unit will enable in the development of professionals in the field of science. These

Jewish holiday( Hanukkah ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Jewish holiday( Hanukkah ) - Essay Example Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jewish children receive gifts and one candle is lit on the eight-candle Menorah which is placed in a window so others can be reminded of the holiday. Jews say three blessings on the first night then two blessings the other seven nights as they light the candles. The light from the candles cannot be used for any purpose other than to display the light. For instance you can’t light a cigarette off one or even read by the light. Besides the lighting of the menorah, traditions include spinning a dreidel, a toy that looks like spinning top and eating foods, particularly fried foods. The dreidel is generally wooden and has four sides, each with a Hebrew symbol. Chocolate coins called â€Å"gelt† is given as a reward during the game. The lighting of the Menorah commemorates the miracle of the oil that kept lamps burning for seven days longer than they should have after a temple was liberated from oppressors who had stolen all of Jew’s oil. The oil in fried foods such as Latkes (potato pancakes) and Sufaniyot (jelly donuts topped with powdered sugar) also commemorate the oil miracle. Hanukkah is Hebrew for â€Å"dedicate† because the temple was being rededicated following a