From: Greg Burch (gregburch@gregburch.net)
Date: Sun Apr 28 2002 - 16:09:39 MDT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: On Behalf Of Samantha Atkins
> Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2002 4:32 PM
>
> So, how do you counter their arguments onces you are through
> labelling and pigeon-holing them?
>
> - samantha
I assume your use of the terms "label" and "pigeonhole" was somehow
meant to be critical. I'll address that first. The only way to get a
grip on phenomena as complex as culture and politics is through the
development of systems of classification, hopefully ones that represent
models of the substance and dynamics of those phenomena that are more
correct than not. As I explained in my talk last summer, these three
terms represent my perception of the broad front of opposition to
progress. This model represents a lifetime of study in the humanities,
in many cultures. Although work in the humanities can never be as
rigorous as that in the "hard sciences", it does help to make
falsifiable predictions. In this case, I have made one and it seems to
be verified, i.e. that "anti-transhumanism" would create a united front
of these three broad cultural phenomena.
As to how to counter them, I know of no more complete a response to
these various kinds of anti-progressive forces than has been synthesized
in the extropian community and the extropian principles, which is why
I'm here. So much for the "arguments". The issue is not philosophical
argument, but political and cultural action. And unfortunately, the tip
of the advancing wave of science and technology has now prodded into
vocal action the forces arrayed against progress in the human condition.
These forces are entrenched, powerful and have the benefit of tens of
thousands of years of historical precedent and experience on their side.
To date, the cultural forces in favor of continued progress through the
"transhuman barrier" are not well organized. On the other hand, they
have the powerful force of the market on their side: Even though
specific kinds of research and development may be outlawed and
stigmatized, the tectonic forces of innovation will continue to work
steadily to find cracks in the barriers thrown up by the
bio-conservatives. So, I continue to be optimistic, even if the current
period seems to be marked by defeats.
Greg Burch
Vice-President, Extropy Institute
http://www.gregburch.net
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