Can Transhumanism and My Little Pony fandom fit together?

[cider float 2,538]

That's named Otherkinning, and it's plain bullshit.

 

I think it would be useful for this discussion to have an actual definition of Transhumanism.

Stop being horsephobic we're people too.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Stop being horsephobic we're people too.

 

I agree. Nevertheless we aren't discussing Otherkin stuff here, this thread is about transhumanism and if there are bronies who are a part of it.

[cider float 2,538]

I agree. Nevertheless we aren't discussing Otherkin stuff here, this thread is about transhumanism and if there are bronies who are a part of it.

Well I'm just horsing around lol

[Buck Testa 5,505]

Apparently I advocate the transhumanist philosophy and didn't even know it, as I've been thinking about this type of stuff for years without knowing about this little movement.

 

I've always viewed our bodies as hardware and our persona's and consciousness as software, and I would have no problem what so ever with trading up to a new model so to speak. 

 

I think Virtual reality is actually low balling what technology now a days is capable of. We are mapping out the brain as we speak, researching how the mind works to its most basic components. Eventually when you couple this with our advancements in the realm of genetics and literal printing of organic tissue I could see the creation of all new species being extremely possible within the next century. I can see a time where instead of getting plastic surgery you simply download yourself into a new custom body of your own design, it sounds surreal and perhaps disturbing to some, but its possible. Once we understand the brain fully and how memories and personalities are formed, it would only take learning the specific combos of 1's and 0's that make up who you are to transfer your proverbial data onto another body, kind of a 'soul transplant' if you will. 

 

We are sitting on the cusp of some pretty amazing breakthroughs in biotechnology, and I really hope we can grow beyond trivial ancient concepts that have been holding this kind of science back and finally move on to something beyond this retro model that was originally evolved for hunting, gathering, reproducing and not much else. Hell you could even use this theoretical tech to LITERALLY make modified "pony" bodies for humans to transfer into lol.  

[WriteCodes46 178]

Well I'm just horsing around lol

I figured as such (if you are serious please seek psychiatric help).

 

And I personally doubt any of this Transhumanism stuff will happen until at least the 2080s, and I don't think it will be all that it's hyped out to be.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@@Buck Testa,

 

You are reading my mind, dude. FINALLY somepony who speaks english!   

 

 

And I personally doubt any of this Transhumanism stuff will happen until at least the 2080s, and I don't think it will be all that it's hyped out to be.

 

Reasonable timeframe for it to truly takeoff. Not too early to get started though. You're right, it won't be what it's cracked up to be . . . it will be better! 

Edited July 17, 2015 by Steel Accord

[WriteCodes46 178]

Apparently I advocate the transhumanist philosophy and didn't even know it, as I've been thinking about this type of stuff for years without knowing about this little movement.

 

I've always viewed our bodies as hardware and our persona's and consciousness as software, and I would have no problem what so ever with trading up to a new model so to speak. 

 

I think Virtual reality is actually low balling what technology now a days is capable of. We are mapping out the brain as we speak, researching how the mind works to its most basic components. Eventually when you couple this with our advancements in the realm of genetics and literal printing of organic tissue I could see the creation of all new species being extremely possible within the next century. I can see a time where instead of getting plastic surgery you simply download yourself into a new custom body of your own design, it sounds surreal and perhaps disturbing to some, but its possible. Once we understand the brain fully and how memories and personalities are formed, it would only take learning the specific combos of 1's and 0's that make up who you are to transfer your proverbial data onto another body, kind of a 'soul transplant' if you will. 

 

We are sitting on the cusp of some pretty amazing breakthroughs in biotechnology, and I really hope we can grow beyond trivial ancient concepts that have been holding this kind of science back and finally move on to something beyond this retro model that was originally evolved for hunting, gathering, reproducing and not much else. Hell you could even use this theoretical tech to LITERALLY make modified "pony" bodies for humans to transfer into lol.

That won't happen. The possibility of science ever achieving such a thing is extremely low. And even if it can be done, it is disturbing, as you said, and it will never be viable socially.

 

Reasonable timeframe for it to truly takeoff. Not too early to get started though. You're right, it won't be what it's cracked up to be . . . it will be better!

LOL, you can't give up you optimism. I admire that in a way, but you should not set yourself for a life-long disappointment. Edited July 17, 2015 by WriteCodes46

[Buck Testa 5,505]

That won't happen. The possibility of science ever achieving such a thing is extremely low. And even if it can be done, it is disturbing, as you said, and it will never be viable socially.

 

Current breakthroughs in science dictate otherwise my friend :3 we are literally growing limbs in labs and flesh for people out of printers and mapping out the human brain as we speak, its not just possible, its inevitable.

 

well probably not the pony body part, but the rest of it XD (I mean who would give up hands anyway) 

 

As for public opinion, we also got into a hissy fit when someone said the earth was round and that the planets revolved around the sun, and we thought science was for those bad magic men and their mysterious fancy talk. We thankfully grow up over time.  

Edited July 17, 2015 by Buck Testa

[Steel Accord 6,660]

 

 

LOL, you can't give up you optimism. I admire that in a way, but you should not set yourself for a life-long disappointment.

 

Oh please, I know I won't live to see these advancements. I know I'm not going to live long enough to see such a glorious future. Sad, yes, but what can you do?

[Zoraxe 546]

Utopianism! Not just for the 20th century anymore.

[WriteCodes46 178]

Current breakthroughs in science dictate otherwise my friend :3 we are literally growing limbs and flesh for people out of printers and mapping out the human brain as we speak, its not just possible, its inevitable.

 

well probably not the pony body part, but the rest of it XD (I mean who would give up hands anyway) 

 

As for public opinion, we also got into a hissy fit when someone said the earth was round and that the planets revolved around the sun, and we thought science was for those bad magic men and their mysterious fancy talk. We thankfully grow up over time.

The pony part would be the tipping point where I would rather blow my brains out than continue living in this world.

 

The difference is that "the Earth is flat" and "science is witchcraft" were ideas, and they were objectively wrong, while Transhumanism is an action that may result in negative consequences, and isn't objectively necessary.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Utopianism! Not just for the 20th century anymore.

 

Not saying it will be perfect, just that it will be good.

 

 

The pony part would be the tipping point where I would rather blow my brains out than continue living in this world.

 

Dude, that's a little intense now. No need for such extremes just because you don't like a theoretical social phenomenon. One that clearly you are a part of in it's present form.

 

 

 

The difference is that "the Earth is flat" and "science is witchcraft" were ideas, and they were objectively wrong, while Transhumanism is an action that may result in negative consequences, and isn't objectively necessary.

 

It may also result in fantastic consequences that benefit all of society. 

[Buck Testa 5,505]

 

 

The pony part would be the tipping point where I would rather blow my brains out than continue living in this world.   The difference is that "the Earth is flat" and "science is witchcraft" were ideas, and they were objectively wrong, while Transhumanism is an action that may result in negative consequences, and isn't objectively necessary.

 

Blow your brains out? Why let other peoples decisions affect you so much, seems kind of pointless.

 

It also could do a ton of good. We talk about new sources of energy, cleaning up the environment, stopping pollution, all this stuff and we aren't looking at the big picture. We are designing all this tech and creating all these problems because or bodies are fundamentally obsolete in this day and age. Instead of creating cars that are more fuel efficient we SHOULD be looking into BODIES that are more "fuel efficient", bodies that create oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, that perhaps has alternate means of sustenance beyond just eating, like photosynthesis. This kind of thinking, the "hybrid car of bodies" so to speak is just one of the ways we can advance in entirely beneficial ways. 

The government would probably be only interested in military applications at first though, but in the long run it could spell a new age of man. 

[LeonShi500 155]

If you're serious about exploring Equestria in a Pony persona, try lucid dreaming instead. It may take a while to learn, but it'll certainly be available earlier than any transhumanist evolution. Your mind has the potential to take you wherever you wish. If you want to rely on technology to do the job for you, be my guest, but prepare to wait a long time before the technology becomes utilized for something as unnecessary as that.

Edited July 17, 2015 by LeonShi500

[WriteCodes46 178]

Dude, that's a little intense now. No need for such extremes just because you don't like a theoretical social phenomenon. One that clearly you are a part of in it's present form.

 

It may also result in fantastic consequences that benefit all of society. 

There are worlds of difference between watching a TV show and what you suggested.

 

It sounds like an unrealistic way of dealing with society's problems. We should focus on things that are doable and have clear benefit (and little potential for gross misuse).

[Steel Accord 6,660]

It sounds like an unrealistic way of dealing with society's problems. We should focus on things that are doable and have clear benefit (and little potential for gross misuse).

 

That's exactly what many transhumanist scientists aim to do. The kind of technologies that fall under the umbrella term of it are vast and could radically improve so much!

Edited July 17, 2015 by Steel Accord

[Buck Testa 5,505]

That's exactly what many transhumanist scientists aim to do. The kind of technologies that fall under the umbrella term of it are vast and could radically improve so much!

The wiki on Transhumanism is so surreal for me. I've literally been contemplating concepts like this off and on for about a decade now, down to this specific kind of wording and everything. Its kind of liberating to know that not only am I not alone there is an entire movement of people who think like I do and are trying to make it happen. Who'd a thought I'd find something like that on an MLP forum :D/ 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

The wiki on Transhumanism is so surreal for me. I've literally been contemplating concepts like this off and on for about a decade now, down to this specific kind of wording and everything. Its kind of liberating to know that not only am I not alone there is an entire movement of people who think like I do and are trying to make it happen. Who'd a thought I'd find something like that on an MLP forum :D/ 

 

You and I actually were on another thread about transhumism awhile ago in case you forgot. Yeah, this isn't exactly "last decade" stuff, people have been researching and theorizing for awhile now about this. (I highly recommend the H+ Magazine)

 

I'm not surprised you found it hear. This fandom has changed my life in so many ways, some I couldn't have predicted they would.

[Buck Testa 5,505]

You and I actually were on another thread about transhumism awhile ago in case you forgot. Yeah, this isn't exactly "last decade" stuff, people have been researching and theorizing for awhile now about this. (I highly recommend the H+ Magazine)

 

I'm not surprised you found it hear. This fandom has changed my life in so many ways, some I couldn't have predicted they would.

I was? It must not of registered for me the way it did here. I'm looking into it and people have been at this way longer than I have lol. I'm certainly going to check that out. 

[SilverComet 170]

The wiki on Transhumanism is so surreal for me. I've literally been contemplating concepts like this off and on for about a decade now, down to this specific kind of wording and everything. Its kind of liberating to know that not only am I not alone there is an entire movement of people who think like I do and are trying to make it happen. Who'd a thought I'd find something like that on an MLP forum :D/ 

 

Something similar happened to me after reading about the Tulpa & Pony Hypnosis comunity trough their member´s experiences here on mlpforums.

I already had self-made basic ideas about the inner workings of some aspects of the mind; that I never found properly explained on any other place (sometimes barely touched upon in fiction, like in Philip Pullman´s His Dark Materials Saga).

Edited July 17, 2015 by SilverComet

[Bendy 1,821]

If the ponies follow the path of https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9271192/1/Transcendent-Humanity  (Mass Effect related)

 

Most what else I've read in transhumanism (Pony related any way) sickens me on a level I never thought possible. 

 

For the record, Friendship is Optimal fan fiction I would consider being completely annihilated with a 'BIG BANG!' so that humanity and all organic life would be spared from being mutilated and turned into horrifying machines... Yet, with another Big Bang life could start again in the universe, free from the binding chains of machines. 

Edited July 19, 2015 by Bendy

[Denim&Venöm 19,063]

People who look down on this fandom, should visit threads like this. "Shame on those sexually repressed, horse loving manchildren and their ideologies on transhumanist philosophy!"

 

This too is something I'm curious about. Reality is a disappointment compared to our imagination, ideas and creativity. We as humans want better than our current lot in life, and if we have the ability to work towards it, what's to stop us from trying? 

 

In relation to MLP, the stories Friendship is Optimal and, to a point, The Conversion Bureau, can be perceived as exploration of transhumanism. There's no doubt that it can be done in the future, though I'm wondering with the advancements in technology, I ask, why stop there? 

 

If the ponies follow the path of https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9271192/1/Transcendent-Humanity  (Mass Effect related)

 

Most what else I've read in transhumanism (Pony related any way) sickens me on a level I never thought possible. 

 

For the record, Friendship is Optimal fan fiction I would consider being completely annihilated with a 'BIG BANG!' so that humanity and all organic life would be spared from being mutilated and turned into horrifying machines... Yet, with another Big Bang life could start again in the universe, free from the binding chains of machines. 

I was expecting you. 

 

Implying that the next cycle of life won't create machines. If there's an intelligent species, then it will use resources from its environment to better adapt, conquer and progress in its environment. The only ways that doesn't happen is if the species isn't intelligent, or they are pretty much self sustaining demigods. Basically all animals or all knowing cosmic entities.

 

I must ask, what in humanity impresses you so much that you'd view a more fulfilling existence in virtual reality or a physically superior existence in a converted form, as being overall inferior and a step backwards? Why in your eyes is the current state of humanity infallible? 

 

And just judging by what you wrote, I presume you'd be against cybernetic and genetic augmentation in a more realistic transhumanist scenario as well. Makes me wonder, what have you to contribute to this discussion, other than to show up and announce your disapproval for a loosely related subject? 

[Steel Accord 6,660]

If the ponies follow the path of https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9271192/1/Transcendent-Humanity  (Mass Effect related)

 

Most what else I've read in transhumanism (Pony related any way) sickens me on a level I never thought possible. 

 

For the record, Friendship is Optimal fan fiction I would consider being completely annihilated with a 'BIG BANG!' so that humanity and all organic life would be spared from being mutilated and turned into horrifying machines... Yet, with another Big Bang life could start again in the universe, free from the binding chains of machines. 

 

Okay . . . WHY? Especially since transhumanism happens in Mass Effect as that seems to be your only point of reference.

 

 

People who look down on this fandom, should visit threads like this. "Shame on those sexually repressed, horse loving manchildren and their ideologies on transhumanist philosophy!"

 

Hell yeah, go us!

 

 

 

I must ask, what in humanity impresses you so much that you'd view a more fulfilling existence in virtual reality or a physically superior existence in a converted form, as being overall inferior and a step backwards? Why in your eyes is the current state of humanity infallible? 

 

Actually I would agree with him on that. Except here's the thing, I'm a transhumanist because I love humanity. Humanity though is not homo sapien, we are more than our physically evolved species. 

[Denim&Venöm 19,063]

Actually I would agree with him on that. Except here's the thing, I'm a transhumanist because I love humanity. Humanity though is not homo sapien, we are more than our physically evolved species. 

Not trying to diss humanity (though at times it's very deserving), but I was referring to why our current state is to be viewed as the end all be all of evolution, socially, psychologically, culturally and evolutionarily?

[Bendy 1,821]

 

The Conversion Bureau, can be perceived as exploration of transhumanism. There's no doubt that it can be done in the future, though I'm wondering with the advancements in technology, I ask, why stop there? 

 

 

Surrender ourselves to alien scum? No thanks. I rather nuclear bombs to destroy ourselves than be converted into mindless freaks that worship a horse god. 

 

 

 

 

Okay . . . WHY? Especially since transhumanism happens in Mass Effect as that seems to be your only point of reference.

 

 

It's a fan fiction called Transcendent Humanity, virtually the only story (I've read) where the transhumanists aren't nazis.

 

 

 

 

I was expecting you. 

 

Implying that the next cycle of life won't create machines. If there's an intelligent species, then it will use resources from its environment to better adapt, conquer and progress in its environment. The only ways that doesn't happen is if the species isn't intelligent, or they are pretty much self sustaining demigods. Basically all animals or all knowing cosmic entities.

 

I must ask, what in humanity impresses you so much that you'd view a more fulfilling existence in virtual reality or a physically superior existence in a converted form, as being overall inferior and a step backwards? Why in your eyes is the current state of humanity infallible? 

 

And just judging by what you wrote, I presume you'd be against cybernetic and genetic augmentation in a more realistic transhumanist scenario as well. Makes me wonder, what have you to contribute to this discussion, other than to show up and announce your disapproval for a loosely related subject? 

 

We are to die as nature intended... as the universe intended. Along with every other possible alien race that possibly may existed out there in the universe. The only form of conversion I could barely tolerate when humanity is not forced in anyway to mutilate themselves by becoming pastel horses.  

 

 

So you support the subjugation of all humanity, along with every sapient organic life in the universe? 

Edited July 19, 2015 by Bendy