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1 COPYRIGHT STATEMENT This Copy of the Thesis Has Been
University of Plymouth PEARL https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk 04 University of Plymouth Research Theses 01 Research Theses Main Collection 2012 Life Expansion: Toward an Artistic, Design-Based Theory of the Transhuman / Posthuman Vita-More, Natasha http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/1182 University of Plymouth All content in PEARL is protected by copyright law. Author manuscripts are made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the details provided on the item record or document. In the absence of an open licence (e.g. Creative Commons), permissions for further reuse of content should be sought from the publisher or author. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognize that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without the author’s prior consent. 1 Life Expansion: Toward an Artistic, Design-Based Theory of the Transhuman / Posthuman by NATASHA VITA-MORE A thesis submitted to the University of Plymouth in partial fulfillment for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY School of Art & Media Faculty of Arts April 2012 2 Natasha Vita-More Life Expansion: Toward an Artistic, Design-Based Theory of the Transhuman / Posthuman The thesis’ study of life expansion proposes a framework for artistic, design-based approaches concerned with prolonging human life and sustaining personal identity. To delineate the topic: life expansion means increasing the length of time a person is alive and diversifying the matter in which a person exists. -
Manzotti Pepperell New Mind
Draft: AI & Society “A Faustian Exchange: What is to be human in the era of Ubiquitous Technology The New Mind: Thinking Beyond the Head Riccardo MANZOTTI*, Robert PEPPERELL** *Institute of Consumption, Communication and Behavior IULM University, Via Carlo Bo, 8, 16033 Milano [email protected] **Cardiff School of Art & Design Howard Gardens, Cardiff CF24 0SP, UK [email protected] Abstract Throughout much of the modern period the human mind has been regarded as a property of the brain, and therefore something confined to the inside of the head — a view commonly known as 'internalism'. But recent works in cognitive science, philosophy, and anthropology, as well as certain trends in the development of technology, suggest an emerging view of the mind as a process not confined to the brain but spread through the body and world — an outlook covered by a family of views labeled 'externalism'. In this paper we will suggest there is now sufficient momentum in favour of externalism of various kinds to mark a historical shift in the way the mind is understood. We dub this emerging externalist tendency the 'New Mind'. Key properties of the New Mind will be summarized and some of its implications considered in areas such as art and culture, technology, and the science of consciousness. 1 Introduction For much of recorded human history, in both the European and Asian traditions, the question of how to understand that most ever present yet elusive properties of our existence — that fact that we have conscious minds — has occupied some of our greatest thinkers and provoked endless controversy. -
Against Transhumanism the Delusion of Technological Transcendence
Edition 1.0 Against Transhumanism The delusion of technological transcendence Richard A.L. Jones Preface About the author Richard Jones has written extensively on both the technical aspects of nanotechnology and its social and ethical implications; his book “Soft Machines: nanotechnology and life” is published by OUP. He has a first degree and PhD in physics from the University of Cam- bridge; after postdoctoral work at Cornell University he has held positions as Lecturer in Physics at Cambridge University and Profes- sor of Physics at Sheffield. His work as an experimental physicist concentrates on the properties of biological and synthetic macro- molecules at interfaces; he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2006 and was awarded the Institute of Physics’s Tabor Medal for Nanoscience in 2009. His blog, on nanotechnology and science policy, can be found at Soft Machines. About this ebook This short work brings together some pieces that have previously appeared on my blog Soft Machines (chapters 2,4 and 5). Chapter 3 is adapted from an early draft of a piece that, in a much revised form, appeared in a special issue of the magazine IEEE Spectrum de- voted to the Singularity, under the title “Rupturing the Nanotech Rapture”. Version 1.0, 15 January 2016 The cover picture is The Ascension, by Benjamin West (1801). Source: Wikimedia Commons ii Transhumanism, technological change, and the Singularity 1 Rapid technological progress – progress that is obvious by setting off a runaway climate change event, that it will be no on the scale of an individual lifetime - is something we take longer compatible with civilization. -
In the Red Zone Sports and Concussions— Past, Present, Future Hiring? Ask About Our Retained Search Services
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ACTUARIES ■ SEP | OCT ■ 2016 In The Red Zone Sports and Concussions— Past, Present, Future Hiring? Ask about our Retained Search Services. www.dwsimpson.com/retained ® For 25 years, DW Simpson Global Actuarial & Analytics Recruitment has been specializing in the recruitment of Actuaries and analytical professionals. We work at all levels of experience, from Entry-Level through Fellowship, and with all disciplines including Life, Health, Pension, Property & Casualty and non-traditional areas. | www.dwsimpson.com | (800) 837-8338 | [email protected] Over 40 Years of Industry Experience EZRA PENLAND (800)580-3972 ACTUARIAL RECRUITMENT [email protected] EMAIL RESUMES TO: [email protected] See Our SALARY SURVEYS at EzraPenland.com/Salary MIDWEST USA - TEXAS - HEALTH & WELFARE ACTUARY P&C PREDICTIVE MODELING SKILLS Health and welfare consulting actuary is sought in Texas at For Position 72059, an ACAS actuary or senior property the FSA level for Position 72064. Must have 7 to 16 years and casualty actuarial analyst is sought by a Midwest USA of actuarial experience is required. Group health experi- insurer. Must have predictive modeling experience. Personal ence is a must. lines experience is a plus but not required. NEW JERSEY - SENIOR HEALTH ACTUARY NEW JERSEY - For Position 72003, our New Jersey client is searching P&C RESERVING/RISK MANAGEMENT for a senior health actuary. FSA with management experi- FCAS or ACAS reserving and risk management actuary ence is sought for this role. Must have 12+ years of health is immediately need by a New Jersey insurer for Position actuarial experience. 72032. Requires 10+ years of property and casualty actu- MIDWEST USA - RETAINED HEALTH ACTUARY arial experience. -
The Speculative Neuroscience of the Future Human Brain
Humanities 2013, 2, 209–252; doi:10.3390/h2020209 OPEN ACCESS humanities ISSN 2076-0787 www.mdpi.com/journal/humanities Article The Speculative Neuroscience of the Future Human Brain Robert A. Dielenberg Freelance Neuroscientist, 15 Parry Street, Cooks Hill, NSW, 2300, Australia; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +61-423-057-977 Received: 3 March 2013; in revised form: 23 April 2013 / Accepted: 27 April 2013 / Published: 21 May 2013 Abstract: The hallmark of our species is our ability to hybridize symbolic thinking with behavioral output. We began with the symmetrical hand axe around 1.7 mya and have progressed, slowly at first, then with greater rapidity, to producing increasingly more complex hybridized products. We now live in the age where our drive to hybridize has pushed us to the brink of a neuroscientific revolution, where for the first time we are in a position to willfully alter the brain and hence, our behavior and evolution. Nootropics, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and invasive brain mind interface (BMI) technology are allowing humans to treat previously inaccessible diseases as well as open up potential vistas for cognitive enhancement. In the future, the possibility exists for humans to hybridize with BMIs and mobile architectures. The notion of self is becoming increasingly extended. All of this to say: are we in control of our brains, or are they in control of us? Keywords: hybridization; BMI; tDCS; TMS; DBS; optogenetics; nootropic; radiotelepathy Introduction Newtonian systems aside, futurecasting is a risky enterprise at the best of times. -
The Transhumanist Reader Is an Important, Provocative Compendium Critically Exploring the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Transhumanism
TH “We are in the process of upgrading the human species, so we might as well do it E Classical and Contemporary with deliberation and foresight. A good first step is this book, which collects the smartest thinking available concerning the inevitable conflicts, challenges and opportunities arising as we re-invent ourselves. It’s a core text for anyone making TRA Essays on the Science, the future.” —Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick for Wired Technology, and Philosophy “Transhumanism has moved from a fringe concern to a mainstream academic movement with real intellectual credibility. This is a great taster of some of the best N of the Human Future emerging work. In the last 10 years, transhumanism has spread not as a religion but as a creative rational endeavor.” SHU —Julian Savulescu, Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford “The Transhumanist Reader is an important, provocative compendium critically exploring the history, philosophy, and ethics of transhumanism. The contributors anticipate crucial biopolitical, ecological and planetary implications of a radically technologically enhanced population.” M —Edward Keller, Director, Center for Transformative Media, Parsons The New School for Design A “This important book contains essays by many of the top thinkers in the field of transhumanism. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humankind.” N —Sonia Arrison, Best-selling author of 100 Plus: How The Coming Age of Longevity Will Change Everything IS The rapid pace of emerging technologies is playing an increasingly important role in T overcoming fundamental human limitations. The Transhumanist Reader presents the first authoritative and comprehensive survey of the origins and current state of transhumanist Re thinking regarding technology’s impact on the future of humanity. -
Cryonics Magazine, Q1 1999
Mark Your Calendars Today! BioStasis 2000 June of the Year 2000 ave you ever considered Asilomar Conference Center Hwriting for publication? If not, let me warn you that it Northern California can be a masochistic pursuit. The simultaneous advent of the word processor and the onset of the Initial List Post-Literate Era have flooded every market with manuscripts, of Speakers: while severely diluting the aver- age quality of work. Most editors can’t keep up with the tsunami of amateurish submissions washing Eric Drexler, over their desks every day. They don’t have time to strain out the Ph.D. writers with potential, offer them personal advice, and help them to Ralph Merkle, develop their talents. The typical response is to search for familiar Ph.D. names and check cover letters for impressive credits, but shove ev- Robert Newport, ery other manuscript right back into its accompanying SASE. M.D. Despite these depressing ob- servations, please don’t give up hope! There are still venues where Watch the Alcor Phoenix as the beginning writer can go for details unfold! editorial attention and reader rec- Artwork by Tim Hubley ognition. Look to the small press — it won’t catapult you to the wealth and celebrity you wish, but it will give you a reason to practice, and it may even intro- duce you to an editor who will chat about your submissions. Where do you find this “small press?” The latest edition of Writ- ers’ Market will give you several possibilities, but let me suggest a more obvious and immediate place to start sending your work: Cryonics Magazine! 2 Cryonics • 1st Qtr, 1999 Letters to the Editor RE: “Hamburger Helpers” by Charles Platt, in his/her interest to go this route if the “Cryonics” magazine, 4th Quarter greater cost of insurance is more than offset Sincerely, 1998 by lower dues. -
Optimization of Human Somatic Cells Cryopreservation Protocols by Polyethylene Glycols
ОРИГІНАЛЬНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ УДК 57.043:547.42:577.1 DOI 10.11603/mcch.2410-681X.2016.v0.i3.6933 O. M. Perepelytsina, A. P. Uhnivenko, D. P. Burlaka, S. V. Bezuhlyi, M. V. Sydorenko INSTITUTE FOR PROBLEMS OF CRYOBIOLOGY AND CRYOMEDICINE NAS UKRAINE, KYIV OPTIMIZATION OF HUMAN SOMATIC CELLS CRYOPRESERVATION PROTOCOLS BY POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS Using of polyethylene glycol in optimization of human somatic cells of cryopreservation protocols was analyzed. Low molecular weight PEG as vitrification solution supplement exhibited a high cooling speed and provided cell survival in 200 % comparing with control. It allows recommending the use of low molecular weight PEG in vitrification environment for effective cell vitrification protocols. KEY WORDS: cryopreservation, vitrification, polyethylene glycol, cooling rate, cell survival, freezing protocols. INTRODUCTION. Vitrification is the solidification about 0.1–10 °C/sec (roughly 10–1,000 °C/min) are of a liquid brought about not by crystallization but sufficient to achieve vitrification [7]. by an extreme elevation in viscosity during cooling Cryoprotectants, or cryoprotective agents [1]. It is a widely applied alternative to standard slow (CPAs) have been extensively used for vitrification programmable freezing methods for cryopreservation [16, 17]. CPAs are chemicals which prevent cell because of the higher survival rates of cells after damage caused by cryopreservation [8]. Such thawing [2, 3]. Vitrification was first proposed in substances as alcohols, amides, oxides and poly- 1985 by Greg Fahy and William F. Rall [4] as a mers with corresponding functional groups can be method for cryopreserving complex tissues such effective CPAs. These chemicals increase the as whole organs. The motivation for vitrification was viscosity of aqueous solutions, reduce the freezing that conventional freeze preservation invariably point and lower the ice nucleation temperatures of destroyed organs by disrupting sensitive tissue aqueous solutions. -
Great Mambo Chicken and the Transhuman Condition
Tf Freewheel simply a tour « // o é Z oon" ‘ , c AUS Figas - 3 8 tion = ~ Conds : 8O man | S. | —§R Transhu : QO the Great Mambo Chicken and the Transhuman Condition Science Slightly Over the Edge ED REGIS A VV Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. - Reading, Massachusetts Menlo Park, California New York Don Mills, Ontario Wokingham, England Amsterdam Bonn Sydney Singapore Tokyo Madrid San Juan Paris Seoul Milan Mexico City Taipei Acknowledgmentof permissions granted to reprint previously published material appears on page 301. Manyofthe designations used by manufacturers andsellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Addison-Wesley was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial capital letters (e.g., Silly Putty). .Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Regis, Edward, 1944— Great mambo chicken and the transhuman condition : science slightly over the edge / Ed Regis. p- cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-201-09258-1 ISBN 0-201-56751-2 (pbk.) 1. Science—Miscellanea. 2. Engineering—Miscellanea. 3. Forecasting—Miscellanea. I. Title. Q173.R44 1990 500—dc20 90-382 CIP Copyright © 1990 by Ed Regis All rights reserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Text design by Joyce C. Weston Set in 11-point Galliard by DEKR Corporation, Woburn, MA - 12345678 9-MW-9594939291 Second printing, October 1990 First paperback printing, August 1991 For William Patrick Contents The Mania.. -
PINTS for PRESS Business Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, Offers Two Types of “Cryonic Suspension” Services: Full-Body for $200,000, and APRIL 24 Head-Only for $80,000
COVER STORY THEFROZEN FIGHT FOR THE ONE SON’S MISSION TO MAKE HIS DAD WHOLE AGAIN BY TYLER HAYDEN Dr. Laurence Pilgeram didn’t believe in heaven, but HEAD he did believe in life after death. In 1990, at the age of 66, Pilgeram signed a contract with the Alcor Life Extension Foun- dation to freeze his body upon his death with the hope that, decades or centuries from now, medical science would resurrect him. Alcor, headquartered in a sand-colored PINTS FOR PRESS business park in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers two types of “cryonic suspension” services: full-body for $200,000, and APRIL 24 head-only for $80,000. It’s a bargain for Dr. Laurence Pilgeram a shot at immortality. Clients typically pay by signing over their life insurance policies. The head-only option, the company This article’s author, Tyler Hayden, will explains, is the most cost-effective way When Kurt demanded to to preserve a patient’s identity; using know why his father’s whole body COURTESY discuss the reporting and writing of this story future nanotechnology, a new hadn’t been preserved, he received conflicting with editor Matt Kettmann on Wednesday, body might be grown around accounts from Alcor, according to court records. First, the the brain. But Pilgeram never company said Laurence’s body had decayed beyond saving. Then, it April 24, 5:30 p.m., at Night Lizard liked the idea of “Neurocryo- claimed he hadn’t kept up with his yearly $525 membership dues. Finally, preservation,” his family has it suggested the technicians didn’t want to wait for the permit necessary Brewing Company in the Santa Barbara said, so he chose “Whole-Body to transport a full body across state lines. -
“Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014
1 “Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014 2 “We all know we must die. But that, say the immortalists, is no longer true… Science has progressed so far that we are morally bound to seek solutions, just as we would be morally bound to prevent a real tsunami if we knew how” - Bryan Appleyard 1 “The moral argument for cryonics is that it's wrong to discontinue care of an unconscious person when they can still be rescued. This is why people who fall unconscious are taken to hospital by ambulance, why they will be maintained for weeks in intensive care if necessary, and why they will still be cared for even if they don't fully awaken after that. It is a moral imperative to care for unconscious people as long as there remains reasonable hope for recovery.” - ALCOR 2 “How many cryonicists does it take to screw in a light bulb? …None – they just sit in the dark and wait for the technology to improve” 3 - Sterling Blake 1 Appleyard 2008. Page 22-23 2 Alcor.org: ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ 2014 3 Blake 1996. Page 72 3 Introduction Biologists have known for some time that certain organisms can survive for sustained time periods in what is essentially a death"like state. The North American Wood Frog, for example, shuts down its entire body system in winter; its heart stops beating and its whole body is frozen, until summer returns; at which point it thaws and ‘comes back to life’ 4. -
Medical Biostasis Package Post BPP Vfeb18
Evidence-Based Cryonics The Institute for Evidence-Based Cryonics www.evidencebasedcryonics.org www.cryonics-research.org.uk Chana Phaedra, Executive Director +1 503 756 0864 João Pedro de Magalhães, Chair Aschwin de Wolf, President +1 503 4325 515 +44 151 7954517 [email protected] [email protected] Groundbreaking Scientific Results Show that the Proposition of Human Medical Biostasis has Potential and Needs to Be Brought into Mainstream Scientific and Medical Focus Recently we have seen scientific evidence that long-term memory is not modified by the process of whole organism cryopreservation through vitrification and revival in simple animal models (C. elegans nematode), supplementing knowledge that other small animals with nervous systems can also be healthily revived after storage in storage in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of −196°C (O. jantseanus leech). Earlier we also knew that in mammalian hippocampal brain slices viability, ultrastructure, and the electrical responsiveness of the neurobiological molecular machinery that elicits long-term potentiation, a mechanism of memory, can be preserved without significant damage following cryopreservation. Published transmission and scanning electron microscopic images from a whole brain cryopreserved through vitrification and also indicate structural integrity. And now, a new cryobiological and neurobiological technique, aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation (ASC) provides a strong evidence that brains can be preserved well enough at low temperature for neural connectivity/ the connectome to be completely visualized. The connectome is believed to be an important encoding mechanism for memory and personal identity (where the mind lives) within the brain. Frames from a FIB-SEM stack of rabbit neuropil near the CA1 band of the hippocampus.