SuperHumanism Core Principles

Superhumanism offers a vision for a future that synergistically combines technology and humanity, placing human potential and well-being at the heart of progress.

This emerging philosophy puts forward several core principles:

I. Embracing Humanness

In the face of advanced artificial intelligence potentially surpassing us in intelligence and productivity, it is crucial that we reassess our inherent worth and the essence of what it means to be human.

Superhumanism invites us to appreciate our humanness. It is a take on what it means to be human and what makes us worthy. Our existence is the product of billions of years of evolution, shaped by unique circumstances that have formed us into the beings we are today. Our consciousness, an incredible mystery yet to be fully understood, bestows us with the ability to experience life, connect with others, and create meaning in the world.

We must remember that our worth extends beyond our economic productivity and usefulness, and lies in the vast complexity of human experiences and potentials that we are yet to fully understand or tap into. These traits, whether unique or shared with other species, must be cherished and leveraged, not overshadowed, in our fast-paced technological advancement.

Superhumanism is a form of self-love at species level. Self-love does not require superiority to others. It encompasses self-acceptance, appreciation, compassion and supporting action.

II. Superhuman Before Transhuman

In our quest for advancement, Superhumanism posits that we should prioritize understanding and actualizing our existing potential before attempting to alter or transcend our human nature. While Transhumanism advocates for using advanced technologies to overcome human limitations, Superhumanism urges caution.

The belief that our innate capacities are yet to be fully explored and understood underpins this principle. Before we rush to augment or alter our bodies and minds, we need to delve deeper into understanding their existing mechanisms and potentials. Premature transhumanistic attempts could potentially backfire, leading to the degradation rather than the enhancement of our abilities and experiences.

To clarify, Superhumanism is not opposed to Transhumanism. Instead, it proposes a more cautious and informed approach—prioritizing a deeper understanding and realization of our 'super' potential before progressing to the 'trans' stage.

III. Mindful Progress and Abundance

Superhumanism underscores the importance of mindful progress and thoughtful abundance, recognizing that the relentless pursuit of 'more' can often lead to unforeseen and detrimental consequences. We need to question whether the progress we seek truly serves human needs and well-being, rather than merely advancing for advancement's sake.

This principle emphasizes the need for balance—between our desires for growth, convenience, and the thoughtful and responsible application of technology. It encourages us to be discerning in our choices, ensuring our technological pursuits align with our long-term goals and do not compromise our well-being or the planet's health.

The principle of mindful progress and abundance also compels us to consider the holistic impact of our decisions, rather than pursuing single-minded objectives or metrics. This involves acknowledging and balancing competing interests, and making choices that support the collective good.

IV. Inclusive and Diverse Future

At the heart of Superhumanism lies the vision of an inclusive and diverse future. In this envisioned future, technology serves as a liberating force, enabling human flourishing and self-actualization rather than being a means of objectification or standardization.

This principle also advocates for a considerable expansion of individual and collective freedoms, empowered by the boundless opportunities offered by technology. We envision a future where individuals are liberated to pursue passions and explore lifelong learning without economic or time constraints, utilizing technology as a powerful catalyst. Concurrently, diverse communities are free to mold their environments, social structures, and level of technology integration to align with their shared values and aspirations, creating a rich tapestry of human-centric societies.

Superhumanism also posits the importance of technological advancements in reducing societal disparities, instead of exacerbating them. All individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic status, race, or gender, should have equal access to the benefits of technology. This principle underscores that an inclusive and diverse future is not just a desirable goal, but an essential one. It is a future where technology is harnessed to catalyze human potential and cultivate a flourishing global community, reflective of the beautiful diversity of the human species.

V. Ethical Technology

The core principle of Superhumanism, Ethical Technology, posits that technology should serve to promote human needs, rights, and long-term benefits rather than providing transient satisfaction or short-term gains. It is paramount that the development and application of technology respect individual privacy, autonomy, dignity, and aim for enduring improvement in human well-being. Ethical technology serves as a bulwark against misuse, exploitation, and manipulation, ensuring technology remains a tool for humanity's actualization.

This viewpoint insists on the protection of individual privacy and autonomy in an increasingly digital world, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the development and application of technology. Technologies should be free from bias, ensuring fairness and non-discrimination across users of diverse races, genders, ages, and socio-economic statuses.

Moreover, the principle of Ethical Technology emphasizes the importance of informed consent, asserting that users should fully understand the implications, risks, and benefits associated with a particular technology before its use. This principle also underscores beneficence and non-maleficence, advocating for technologies that contribute positively to human welfare and avoid causing harm.

Inherent in Ethical Technology is the concept of human-centered design, which prioritizes human needs, capabilities, and well-being, resulting in accessible, user-friendly technologies that add substantial value to human life. In summary, Ethical Technology serves as a critical guide in Superhumanism, outlining a comprehensive ethical framework for the responsible and respectful design, development, and use of technology for humanity's long-term advantage.