Religion and Transhumanism

Religion and Transhumanism

Author: Calvin Mercer

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2014-11-17

Total Pages: 473

ISBN-13: 1440833265

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Should technology be used to improve human faculties such as cognition and longevity? This thought-provoking dialogue between "transhumanism" and religion examines enhancement technologies that could radically alter the human species. "Transhumanism" or "human enhancement" is an intellectual and cultural movement that advocates the use of emerging technologies to change human traits. Although they may sound like science fiction, the possibilities suggested by transhumanism are very real, and the questions they raise have no easy answers. If these enhancements—especially major ones like the indefinite extension of healthy human life—become widely available, they would arguably have a more radical impact on humankind than any other development in history. This book comprises essays that explore transhumanism and the issues that surround it, addressing numerous fascinating questions posed by scholars of religion from various traditions. How will "immortality" or extreme longevity change our religious beliefs and practices? How might pharmaceuticals enhance spiritual experiences? Will "post-human" technologies be available to all persons, or will a superior "post-human race" arise to dominate the human species? The discussions are as intriguing as the future they suggest.


Book Synopsis Religion and Transhumanism by : Calvin Mercer

Download or read book Religion and Transhumanism written by Calvin Mercer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2014-11-17 with total page 473 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Should technology be used to improve human faculties such as cognition and longevity? This thought-provoking dialogue between "transhumanism" and religion examines enhancement technologies that could radically alter the human species. "Transhumanism" or "human enhancement" is an intellectual and cultural movement that advocates the use of emerging technologies to change human traits. Although they may sound like science fiction, the possibilities suggested by transhumanism are very real, and the questions they raise have no easy answers. If these enhancements—especially major ones like the indefinite extension of healthy human life—become widely available, they would arguably have a more radical impact on humankind than any other development in history. This book comprises essays that explore transhumanism and the issues that surround it, addressing numerous fascinating questions posed by scholars of religion from various traditions. How will "immortality" or extreme longevity change our religious beliefs and practices? How might pharmaceuticals enhance spiritual experiences? Will "post-human" technologies be available to all persons, or will a superior "post-human race" arise to dominate the human species? The discussions are as intriguing as the future they suggest.

Biocosm

Biocosm

Author: James N. Gardner

Publisher: Inner Ocean Publishing

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 9781930722262

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Publisher's description: Biocosm challenges both sides of the controversy over evolution and creationism. This carefully reasoned book proposes that life and intelligence have not emerged as a series of random accidents, as Darwinists like Stephen Jay Gould have maintained, but are hardwired into the cycle of cosmic creation, evolution, death, and rebirth. Gardner's theory of an exponential coevolution of biological and electronic intelligence, designed and directed, offers an extraordinary vision of a universe of point and purpose.


Book Synopsis Biocosm by : James N. Gardner

Download or read book Biocosm written by James N. Gardner and published by Inner Ocean Publishing. This book was released on 2003 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Publisher's description: Biocosm challenges both sides of the controversy over evolution and creationism. This carefully reasoned book proposes that life and intelligence have not emerged as a series of random accidents, as Darwinists like Stephen Jay Gould have maintained, but are hardwired into the cycle of cosmic creation, evolution, death, and rebirth. Gardner's theory of an exponential coevolution of biological and electronic intelligence, designed and directed, offers an extraordinary vision of a universe of point and purpose.

Evolution, Development and Complexity

Evolution, Development and Complexity

Author: Georgi Yordanov Georgiev

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2019-06-25

Total Pages: 454

ISBN-13: 3030000753

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This book explores the universe and its subsystems from the three lenses of evolutionary (contingent), developmental (predictable), and complex (adaptive) processes at all scales. It draws from prolific experts within the academic disciplines of complexity science, physical science, information and computer science, theoretical and evo-devo biology, cosmology, astrobiology, evolutionary theory, developmental theory, and philosophy. The chapters come from a Satellite Meeting, "Evolution, Development and Complexity" (EDC) hosted at the Conference on Complex Systems, in Cancun, 2017. The contributions have been peer-reviewed and contributors from outside the conference were invited to submit chapters to ensure full coverage of the topics. This book explores many issues within the field of EDC such as the interaction of evolutionary stochasticity and developmental determinism in biological systems and what they might teach us about these twin processes in other complex systems. This text will appeal to students and researchers within the complex systems and EDC fields.


Book Synopsis Evolution, Development and Complexity by : Georgi Yordanov Georgiev

Download or read book Evolution, Development and Complexity written by Georgi Yordanov Georgiev and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-06-25 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the universe and its subsystems from the three lenses of evolutionary (contingent), developmental (predictable), and complex (adaptive) processes at all scales. It draws from prolific experts within the academic disciplines of complexity science, physical science, information and computer science, theoretical and evo-devo biology, cosmology, astrobiology, evolutionary theory, developmental theory, and philosophy. The chapters come from a Satellite Meeting, "Evolution, Development and Complexity" (EDC) hosted at the Conference on Complex Systems, in Cancun, 2017. The contributions have been peer-reviewed and contributors from outside the conference were invited to submit chapters to ensure full coverage of the topics. This book explores many issues within the field of EDC such as the interaction of evolutionary stochasticity and developmental determinism in biological systems and what they might teach us about these twin processes in other complex systems. This text will appeal to students and researchers within the complex systems and EDC fields.

The Intelligent Universe

The Intelligent Universe

Author: James Gardner

Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser

Published: 2007-01-19

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 1601639651

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What is the ultimate destiny of our universe? That is the striking question addressed by James Gardner in The Intelligent Universe. Traditionally, scientists (and Robert Frost) have offered two bleak answers to this profound issue: fire or ice. In The Intelligent Universe, James Gardner envisions a third dramatic alternative—a final state of the cosmos in which a highly evolved form of group intelligence engineers a cosmic renewal, the birth of a new universe.


Book Synopsis The Intelligent Universe by : James Gardner

Download or read book The Intelligent Universe written by James Gardner and published by Red Wheel/Weiser. This book was released on 2007-01-19 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is the ultimate destiny of our universe? That is the striking question addressed by James Gardner in The Intelligent Universe. Traditionally, scientists (and Robert Frost) have offered two bleak answers to this profound issue: fire or ice. In The Intelligent Universe, James Gardner envisions a third dramatic alternative—a final state of the cosmos in which a highly evolved form of group intelligence engineers a cosmic renewal, the birth of a new universe.

Reflections for the Twenty-First Century

Reflections for the Twenty-First Century

Author: Jean Pi Lee

Publisher: FriesenPress

Published: 2022-10-26

Total Pages: 166

ISBN-13: 1039151957

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Can you name a few habitats that are being destroyed? How is mitigation being done there? What would you do? What is your individual carbon footprint? Reflections for the Twenty-First Century explores the present state of Earth and Homo sapiens, looking at past events and circumstances that have brought us to where we are today, where we are headed in the future, and how we can each play a role in a more sustainable existence. The first part of this collection of essays, articles, and poetry reflects on activist Jean Pi Lee’s experiences in ecology and the environment while the second section examines the species of Homo sapiens, its evolution, potential, communicative abilities, and more. With exercises to get you enthusiastic about saving the earth, as well as an abundance of additional reading resources to broaden your subject knowledge, Reflections for the Twenty-First Century is sure to embolden you to take action today!


Book Synopsis Reflections for the Twenty-First Century by : Jean Pi Lee

Download or read book Reflections for the Twenty-First Century written by Jean Pi Lee and published by FriesenPress. This book was released on 2022-10-26 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Can you name a few habitats that are being destroyed? How is mitigation being done there? What would you do? What is your individual carbon footprint? Reflections for the Twenty-First Century explores the present state of Earth and Homo sapiens, looking at past events and circumstances that have brought us to where we are today, where we are headed in the future, and how we can each play a role in a more sustainable existence. The first part of this collection of essays, articles, and poetry reflects on activist Jean Pi Lee’s experiences in ecology and the environment while the second section examines the species of Homo sapiens, its evolution, potential, communicative abilities, and more. With exercises to get you enthusiastic about saving the earth, as well as an abundance of additional reading resources to broaden your subject knowledge, Reflections for the Twenty-First Century is sure to embolden you to take action today!

Cosmos & Culture

Cosmos & Culture

Author: Steven J. Dick

Publisher:

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 620

ISBN-13:

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From GPO Bookstore's Website: Authors with diverse backgrounds in science, history, anthropology, and more, consider culture in the context of the cosmos. How does our knowledge of cosmic evolution affect terrestrial culture? Conversely, how does our knowledge of cultural evolution affect our thinking about possible cultures in the cosmos? Are life, mind, and culture of fundamental significance to the grand story of the cosmos that has generated its own self-understanding through science, rational reasoning, and mathematics? Book includes bibliographical references and an index.


Book Synopsis Cosmos & Culture by : Steven J. Dick

Download or read book Cosmos & Culture written by Steven J. Dick and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 620 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From GPO Bookstore's Website: Authors with diverse backgrounds in science, history, anthropology, and more, consider culture in the context of the cosmos. How does our knowledge of cosmic evolution affect terrestrial culture? Conversely, how does our knowledge of cultural evolution affect our thinking about possible cultures in the cosmos? Are life, mind, and culture of fundamental significance to the grand story of the cosmos that has generated its own self-understanding through science, rational reasoning, and mathematics? Book includes bibliographical references and an index.

Cosmic Conversations

Cosmic Conversations

Author: Stephan Martin

Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser

Published: 2009-10-01

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 1601637616

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“Some of the most compelling, cutting-edge ideas about who we are and what kind of world we live in. This is a daring book—and a great read!”—Glenn Hartelius, PhD, coeditor of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered “What is the universe?” In this lively and engaging collection of interviews, astronomer Stephan Martin talks with some of today’s most innovative and cutting-edge thinkers on the nature of the universe and our relationship to it. Scientists, mystics, indigenous elders, and cultural creatives all share their unique voices on the nature of reality, the interplay of science and religion, the future of humanity, and the role of each person in a mysterious and evolving universe. Filled with rich insight, dynamic discussion, and penetrating wisdom, Cosmic Conversations asks the fundamental questions about the universe many of us have wondered about, yet few have explored in-depth, questions such as: Do time, space, and matter really exist? Can the universe be inside us, outside us, or both? Is the universe alive, conscious, and intelligent? Where are we in the cosmic evolutionary picture? A compelling journey from the farthest reaches of outer space to the innermost realms of the human heart, Cosmic Conversations will change the way you look at the universe (and yourself) forever. “An excellent contribution to the philosophical revival that is taking place in the marketplace of ideas. Stephan’s searching and heartfelt questions bring out the best of the authors he interviews.”—Steve McIntosh, author of The Presence of the Infinite


Book Synopsis Cosmic Conversations by : Stephan Martin

Download or read book Cosmic Conversations written by Stephan Martin and published by Red Wheel/Weiser. This book was released on 2009-10-01 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Some of the most compelling, cutting-edge ideas about who we are and what kind of world we live in. This is a daring book—and a great read!”—Glenn Hartelius, PhD, coeditor of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered “What is the universe?” In this lively and engaging collection of interviews, astronomer Stephan Martin talks with some of today’s most innovative and cutting-edge thinkers on the nature of the universe and our relationship to it. Scientists, mystics, indigenous elders, and cultural creatives all share their unique voices on the nature of reality, the interplay of science and religion, the future of humanity, and the role of each person in a mysterious and evolving universe. Filled with rich insight, dynamic discussion, and penetrating wisdom, Cosmic Conversations asks the fundamental questions about the universe many of us have wondered about, yet few have explored in-depth, questions such as: Do time, space, and matter really exist? Can the universe be inside us, outside us, or both? Is the universe alive, conscious, and intelligent? Where are we in the cosmic evolutionary picture? A compelling journey from the farthest reaches of outer space to the innermost realms of the human heart, Cosmic Conversations will change the way you look at the universe (and yourself) forever. “An excellent contribution to the philosophical revival that is taking place in the marketplace of ideas. Stephan’s searching and heartfelt questions bring out the best of the authors he interviews.”—Steve McIntosh, author of The Presence of the Infinite

The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions

The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions

Author: Barbara Hand Clow

Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing

Published: 2010-04-01

Total Pages: 322

ISBN-13: 161283101X

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This is a revised and expanded edition of Barbara and Gerry Clow’s classic 2004 text. This sequel to the bestselling underground classic The Pleiadian Agenda outlines their theory of the nine dimensions of human consciousness and how those nine dimensions have become essential to our evolutionary survival. Incorporating the research and insight of the Swedish biologist Carl Calleman, the Clows demonstrate how recent scientific discoveries validate their theories. The existence of the nine dimensions of human consciousness can be proved by science. The most controversial aspect of this book is their exploration of the Mayan prophecies. Counter to much of the prevailing opinion, the fulfillment of the prophecies will not result in the Apocalypse, but will usher in a new and expanded era of human consciousness. They also assert that the beginning of this new era begins not on December 21, 2012—but on October 28, 2011—making the time of the great shift in consciousness just around the corner. Provocative and informative, the Clows have provided an explanation and roadmap for the future. It will be embraced by all who are interested in the evolution of human consciousness.


Book Synopsis The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions by : Barbara Hand Clow

Download or read book The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions written by Barbara Hand Clow and published by Hampton Roads Publishing. This book was released on 2010-04-01 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a revised and expanded edition of Barbara and Gerry Clow’s classic 2004 text. This sequel to the bestselling underground classic The Pleiadian Agenda outlines their theory of the nine dimensions of human consciousness and how those nine dimensions have become essential to our evolutionary survival. Incorporating the research and insight of the Swedish biologist Carl Calleman, the Clows demonstrate how recent scientific discoveries validate their theories. The existence of the nine dimensions of human consciousness can be proved by science. The most controversial aspect of this book is their exploration of the Mayan prophecies. Counter to much of the prevailing opinion, the fulfillment of the prophecies will not result in the Apocalypse, but will usher in a new and expanded era of human consciousness. They also assert that the beginning of this new era begins not on December 21, 2012—but on October 28, 2011—making the time of the great shift in consciousness just around the corner. Provocative and informative, the Clows have provided an explanation and roadmap for the future. It will be embraced by all who are interested in the evolution of human consciousness.

The Great Silence

The Great Silence

Author: Milan M. Ćirković

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2018-05-03

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 0192552872

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The Great Silence explores the multifaceted problem named after the great Italian physicist Enrico Fermi and his legendary 1950 lunchtime question "Where is everybody?" In many respects, Fermi's paradox is the richest and the most challenging problem for the entire field of astrobiology and the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) studies. This book shows how Fermi's paradox is intricately connected with many fields of learning, technology, arts, and even everyday life. It aims to establish the strongest possible version of the problem, to dispel many related confusions, obfuscations, and prejudices, as well as to offer a novel point of entry to the many solutions proposed in existing literature. Ćirković argues that any evolutionary worldview cannot avoid resolving the Great Silence problem in one guise or another.


Book Synopsis The Great Silence by : Milan M. Ćirković

Download or read book The Great Silence written by Milan M. Ćirković and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2018-05-03 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Great Silence explores the multifaceted problem named after the great Italian physicist Enrico Fermi and his legendary 1950 lunchtime question "Where is everybody?" In many respects, Fermi's paradox is the richest and the most challenging problem for the entire field of astrobiology and the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) studies. This book shows how Fermi's paradox is intricately connected with many fields of learning, technology, arts, and even everyday life. It aims to establish the strongest possible version of the problem, to dispel many related confusions, obfuscations, and prejudices, as well as to offer a novel point of entry to the many solutions proposed in existing literature. Ćirković argues that any evolutionary worldview cannot avoid resolving the Great Silence problem in one guise or another.

Astrophilosophy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion

Astrophilosophy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion

Author: Andrew M. Davis

Publisher: Lexington Books

Published: 2024-01-22

Total Pages: 575

ISBN-13: 1666944378

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Astrophilosopy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion: Extraterrestrial Life in a Process Universe applies Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy and the associated process philosophies of Henri Bergson, Teilhard de Chardin, and others to the interdisciplinary layers of astrobiology, extraterrestrial life, and the impact of discovery. This collection, edited by Andrew M. Davis and Roland Faber, asks questions such as “How have process thinkers imagined universal creative evolution and its implications for philosophies, theologies, and religions beyond earth?” and “How might their claims as to the primacy of organism, temporality, novelty, value, and mind enrich current discussions and debates across disciplines?” As experts in their fields, the contributors are informed by, but not limited to, process conceptualities. The chapters not only advance recent discussions in astrobiology, cosmology, and evolution but also consider a constellation of philosophical topics, from shared extraterrestrial knowledge and values to the possibilities or limitations afforded by A.I. technology, the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the increasing need to nurture the cosmic dimensions of theological and religious traditions.


Book Synopsis Astrophilosophy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion by : Andrew M. Davis

Download or read book Astrophilosophy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion written by Andrew M. Davis and published by Lexington Books. This book was released on 2024-01-22 with total page 575 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Astrophilosopy, Exotheology, and Cosmic Religion: Extraterrestrial Life in a Process Universe applies Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy and the associated process philosophies of Henri Bergson, Teilhard de Chardin, and others to the interdisciplinary layers of astrobiology, extraterrestrial life, and the impact of discovery. This collection, edited by Andrew M. Davis and Roland Faber, asks questions such as “How have process thinkers imagined universal creative evolution and its implications for philosophies, theologies, and religions beyond earth?” and “How might their claims as to the primacy of organism, temporality, novelty, value, and mind enrich current discussions and debates across disciplines?” As experts in their fields, the contributors are informed by, but not limited to, process conceptualities. The chapters not only advance recent discussions in astrobiology, cosmology, and evolution but also consider a constellation of philosophical topics, from shared extraterrestrial knowledge and values to the possibilities or limitations afforded by A.I. technology, the Fermi Paradox, the Drake Equation, and the increasing need to nurture the cosmic dimensions of theological and religious traditions.