On Jan 20, 2008 3:06 PM, Mike Tintner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Sorry if you've all read this: > > http://www.goertzel.org/benzine/extropians.htm > > But I found it a v. well written sympathetic critique of extropianism & > highly recommend it. What do people think of its call for a "humanist > transhumanism"? >
Thanks Mike for highlighting this informative essay. I think that first and foremost we must not embrace mystery. Ben argues against oversimplifying, but are we honest in adding in details that we don't sufficiently understand? For each irresponsibly added detail brings us away from reality. Preferring a fabulous wrong impression over a simple speckle of truth is not virtuous. Humans don't have stable morality. They learn, they go mad. What is it about evolutionary preprogrammed reinforcers that makes them exceptional before other random concoctions? They have a good position of power, many people obey them. If one argues for personal moral freedom, it's not about enforcing freedom on others, it's about liberating oneself from influence of others. There is no reason in choosing a moral stance if you don't know what effect it will have. Seek understanding if you want to hold back an existing moral plague, including the part you embody yourself. -- Vladimir Nesov mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/email To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to: http://v2.listbox.com/member/?member_id=4007604&id_secret=87886040-d08b59
