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‘Transhumanist Movement’ Is Coming: The Ethical Dilemma Posed by Rapidly Advancing Technology

Feb. 6, 2013 7:59pm
Glenn Beck Discusses Ethics of Technology and Transhumanist Movement

(Image: TheBlaze TV screenshot)

“Technology is fire. If you can control it, it’s great. If it controls you, you’re in trouble.”

This was the theme of the latest episode of the Glenn Beck program on TheBlaze TV. Sure, some technology and ideas Beck showcased on his show Wednesday night might sound crazy and remind you of a science fiction flick — Beck himself acknowledges this — but they’re not, he said.

Take drones for example. There was a time when people couldn’t imagine the capabilities of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Now such drones are being used in strikes against hostile adversaries, which Beck said is good. But just this week a memo from the Obama administration said U.S. citizens could be subject to drone strikes if they are a “senior operational” leader of al-Qaeda or “an associated force.”

“The president is using drones right now and nobody is really talking about the ethics of this,” Beck said on the show. “We should have seen this day coming but we didn’t. At least as a society, we didn’t.”

It is the conversation about the ethics of use of what might now seem like science fiction that Beck says has happen.

“It’s not the app, it’s not the gun, it’s not the drone, it’s what you do with it,” he said.

Watch this segment from Beck’s program:

Part of the ethical issue regarding the use of technology that Beck has focused upon at length is the transhumanist movement. The groundwork for merging the human body with machines to the point where the concept of the Singularity would be reached, an idea strongly supported by futurist Ray Kurzweil, is well on its way. Beck pointed to the recent breakthrough of 3D-printed human embryonic stem cells that scientists hope will someday allow for 3D-printed organs. He noted a “million dollar bionic man” named Rex that is outfitted with technology to hear, speak, move and even has artificial organs.

So if humans are fixing their physical beings to live longer, as they already are today in many respects, how will this affect society? As an example, Beck called up how soldiers are being mended and returning home physically fixed to an extent, but their internal scars are not being addressed. The recent shooting of acclaimed sniper Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield by a Marine reservist who reportedly had PTSD is an example.

Another question if humans are to live longer is if the Earth will be able to support that. In another example, Beck highlighted a water purification system called Slingshot by Deka that can make clean drinking water from any, and we mean, any liquid. If this product were to be made smaller and more cost-effective, millions of people would be saved from conditions that result from a lack of potable drinking water. But some have been saying for years that the Earth is reaching a “tipping point” with regard to its growing population and that more growth would cause “severe impacts” on quality of life.

Beck posed the moral dilemma regarding whether this machine would even get to the people who need it based on this argument of finite resources and global warming.

And what of the human mind? Kurzweil’s ideas are that humans will not only augment their organs and other physical features with technology but their minds as well. Technology is on its way for computers to begin reading our minds. Take the soon-to-be-released MindMeld app. MindMeld” from Expect Labs is described by San Francisco-based founders as an “always on Siri,” according to Technology Review.

Here’s more from  about how the app works:

Users can sign up or log in through Facebook and hold free video or voice calls with up to eight people through the app. If a participant taps on a button in the app during a call, MindMeld will review the previous 15 to 30 seconds of conversation by relying on Nuance’s voice recognition technology. It will identify key terms in context—in a discussion to find a sushi restaurant, for example, or one about a big news story that day—and then search Google News, Facebook, Yelp, YouTube, and a few other sources for relevant results. Images and links are displayed in a stream for the person who tapped the button to review. With a finger swipe, he or she can choose to share a result with others on the call.

Furthermore, where will the line between “what is life and what isn’t?” be drawn, Beck asked.

“We’re in trouble, but the future is bright if we go in with open eyes,” he said.  ”If we lose the concept of the soul and become the creator at the same time, what does the phrase ‘we’re all endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights’ mean?”

Have we past the point of no return? Yale computer science professor David Gelernter, who was a guest on Wednesday’s show, used paint as an example to illustrate his point. He said paint has changed over centuries and has improved, but has the human artist exponentially gotten better? No, because human nature itself hasn’t changed, Gelernter said.

Still, the ethical discussion about technology coming down the pike is important now none the less, because it could reach a point where it might be used to alter human nature itself.

“We have to talk about technology — the good side and the bad side,” Beck continued. “We need to have the moral and ethical debate.”

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (41)

  • lucentlives
    Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:11pm

    I wrote a novel that is soon to be published on the very issue of Transhumanism. It is a young adult fiction novel. I have been studying this issue for years. Quite frightening but it may be that this as crazy as it sounds has been done before. There is nothing new under the sun. Could genetically engineered (corrupted DNA) humans be one of the reasons the earth was flooded? Could Noah have been one of the only clean bloodlines? http://www.lucentlives.com

    Report this comment

    lucentlives  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:13am

    The dreams of the trans-humanists will come to nothing. We are building a huge technological tower of Babel which will soon come down upon us. Man is not near smart enough to fundamentally alter what our Creator has made us to be.

    Report this comment

    Dougral Supports Israel  
  • Axe22
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 8:11pm

    What will life be like when we can print up copies of God?

    Report this comment

    Axe22  
    • lucentlives
      Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:08pm

      The irony is that this may have been done before according to the Bible. The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun. The difference being instead of technologically enhanced beings they were humans spliced with DNA from animals. My website, soon to be published fiction book and blog discuss these issues. http://www.lucentlives.com

      Report this comment

      lucentlives  
  • Jerry3805
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 5:12pm

    I can see Glenn’s point of view. I think he’s right . But we should all do our own homework and make our own conclusion and not follow another person. I still remember when beck was on CNN lying all the time. He has come a long way but we should make our own visions and judgements and not wait for a 5 o’clock show to make it for us

    Report this comment

    Jerry3805  
  • Artiewhitefox
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 4:05pm

    Human technology is not the solution for mankind. Had technology be the solution for mankind Jesus would not have had to do what he did. A person refusing to having him in them will war against a person threatening their earthly existence. The sun that we think is our best friend will be in time our worst enemy. Extending the life of a human is not the answer. Saving the soul is the answer being like Jesus is with whoever..

    Report this comment

    Artiewhitefox  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 2:42pm

    We have a bigger and more immediate problem with voter fraudsters getting into leadership positions through nefarious means. American’s as a whole are not electing this. Not knowingly, not willingly. Many are mislead. Some of it is outright stolen through multiple avenues of fraud. Physically, electronically and mysteriously. Disappearing and reappearing trunk loads of ballots. A potus that overcame a 15% reversal in his previous vote? Whole corridors voting 100% 1 way? Other corridors bucking the National trends by over 40%?
    THAT is the problem. And nobody can expect to get the right laws to ethically address anything so long as it holds.

    Report this comment

    Ghandi was a Republican  
  • nc_kayaker
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 10:11am

    A moral & ethical debate?
    That will be the day a bright ray of light shines on DC!
    It’s rare to find morality & ethics in government these days.

    Report this comment

    nc_kayaker  
    • Silvertruth
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 12:09pm

      …and you could make the argument that it is entirely our fault.

      A moral and ethical people will elect moral and ethical people to represent them. Sure, they might get fooled from time to time (despite what “The Who” might say in their song) but it would be rare.

      An immoral and unethical people will elect the same to represent them.

      This is where we are right now. We are dividing, separating, creating dissention, happily doing the work of evil for it. We stop this by appealing to our moral and ethical common interests. Eventually, the fence sitters will see what the issues are for themselves and stop being fence sitters.

      Then you will be left with a far clearer distinction of right and wrong, good and bad. You must start by identifying the moral and ethical points of each issue and then boiling it down to where we all agree. That is where law can exist and flourish. It cannot exist when you have barely half of a culture supporting it.

      A major issue we have right now is our leaders are obsessed with exactly those kinds of laws as they try to push their morally and ethically blind agendas all in the name of power and greed.

      Welcome to the United States of America – 2013

      Report this comment

      Silvertruth  
  • GuruMeditation
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 9:58am

    It will end up that this entity will dictate the rights:

    Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

    For a while anyway.

    Report this comment

    GuruMeditation  
  • love the kids
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 9:08am

    Again people, Glenn is pointing out a real problem, but people only think about what they are told to think, no one thinks about the possibilities other than what Glenn said. This is not a knock on Glenn, just people who are not thinking about steps down the road.
    The robot guy, with created organs, well, how long before someone creates a woman robot because they want a woman, (sexually), like a blow up doll? Then, someone will complain because the robot only likes men, (because it was programed that way), they will sue because they are a lesbian, and are attracted to the robot who is programmed to only be intimate with a male and it is discriminating against her? Do you see where I am going with this? The robot will then, after legal battles, will only be able to be programed with “Neutral” likes. Men, women, group stuff, does anyone see where I am going with this??? Remember the easy bake oven color? What about the boy scouts?

    Report this comment

    love the kids  
  • media-bias-steals-elections
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 3:16am

    If the same people selling this garbage are telling you the Earth has a tipping point (so much for space travel), why would you let them develop all this other stuff? We believe the people that want to rush this technology, want to do so because they don’t want to ask permission?

    Let me explain a very complex piece of technology that revolutionalized the 1700s? It’s one line of computer code? It’s called the 1st Amendment, the right to assemble?

    The right to assemble means what? To isolate yourself, to discriminate, against the wishes of the general public, to assemble?

    Yet what is the argument against the Boy Scouts today? It’s discrimination? Bingo, its finally dawned on you, that others have civil rights called the right to assemble, to discriminate against your perception of what the world should be, what you think justice is in the world, and to live their lives shouting that lifestyle from the roof tops, saying, come join us, the water is great, this is fun?

    Yet what do liberals run around doing, feeling sorry for themselves, trying to make others feel guilty for exercising their civil rights? That’s one sentence, one piece of “computer code”?

    If you don’t understand the right to assemble, you will never control technology, it will destroy you?

    Report this comment

    media-bias-steals-elections  
  • NigelTufnel
    Posted on February 7, 2013 at 12:32am

    Wow. Great posts for this story/topic. Probably why I hang out here.

    Report this comment

    NigelTufnel  
  • Uriel
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 10:34pm

    Tranhumanism isn’t about technology. It’s about using particcular technologies to create SUPERMEN.
    Transhumanism is about transforming a select “elite” among the current population into super-human beings with greater physical and mental ability, and clinical immortality.
    Once such a race of SUPERMEN is created; guess what happens to the rest of us?

    Report this comment

    Uriel  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 6, 2013 at 11:22pm

      The Tree of Liberty will get watered. Praise the Lord, Pass the ammunition

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • M13
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:44pm

    To Encinom the Transhumanist movement is when he blows up his doll that he keeps under his bed.

    Report this comment

    M13  
  • Chuck T
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:33pm

    Those folks more than, say, forty years old will understand when I say that we are living in the future – at least compared to the world we used to know. But is the future from here going to be brighter or darker? That’s tonight’s discussion, and it’s worth considering.

    Report this comment

    Chuck T  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:23pm

    “‘TRANSHUMANIST MOVEMENT’ IS COMING: THE ETHICAL DILEMMA POSED BY RAPIDLY ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY”
    I see you’re late to the party as always–the transhumanism is already here.

    Report this comment

    The Third Archon  
    • InversionTheory
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 9:58pm

      Indeed. I’ve been into transhuman thought for more than 15 years. I have noticed that people seem to think I am less and less crazy over time, but most people still express dismay when I hold up my arm (which is perfectly functional) and remind them that I only have that arm because I cannot buy a superior replacement yet. When that is possible, I have no qualms about discarding the flesh like any obsolete tool. Not everyone is ready for that, but I’m happy to be an early adopter.

      Report this comment

      InversionTheory  
  • Lachoneous
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:12pm

    I am not sure how far God will let man go down this road. Remember the tower of Babel?

    Report this comment

    Lachoneous  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on February 6, 2013 at 9:28pm

      That’s based upon the assumption that there is a god that intervenes/intervened–you may turn out to be surprised.

      Report this comment

      The Third Archon  
    • 1day
      Posted on February 6, 2013 at 11:42pm

      Lachoneous – you may be onto something. I have always said the sin of man will limit his growth. Just look at history.

      The Third Archon – if you are right, I’ve lost nothing, if you are wrong…..

      Report this comment

      1day  
    • The_Doors_Of_Perception
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 8:37am

      Uh, what if Allah is god? Then you’re going to hell too…so what if you’re wrong? See you in hell.

      Report this comment

      The_Doors_Of_Perception  
  • soap on a rope
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:56pm

    Every advance has dual potentials. Look at all that nuclear fission has brought us. There is nothing wrong with looking at the dark side of breakthroughs in addition to touting their greatness. I thought it was a good show, would like to see more in the future.

    Report this comment

    soap on a rope  
  • UNALIEN
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:32pm

    Beck is onto something but… (Glenn if you read this look into Technocracy)
    transhumanism is the basis for a TECHNOCRACY… Totalitarianism that looks like Fascism or communism but is worse, a system to replace “Capital price based markets”, goes back to 1930s and Columbia University, the masses are controlled through the technology… a new economic system of energy control by politicians bureaucrats and scientists colluding to shape society…

    Technocracy explained….
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul5oQ3wbstQ

    Report this comment

    UNALIEN  
  • MRARGUELLES267
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:29pm

    Another random ramble by Glenn Beck. Technology is nothing to be feared.

    Report this comment

    MRARGUELLES267  
  • denkat56
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:15pm

    Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Obama will be corrupted absolutely if not so already.

    Report this comment

    denkat56  
    • TheirMom
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 4:56pm

      Too late. He already is. Look at his record, his illegal executive orders and his illegal regulations. His pay-offs to the unions and the socialists. I truly believe in 50 years he will be seen in history as America’s most corrupt president. Provided, of course that we can turn America around. If not, he’ll be the hero of the communist party.

      Report this comment

      TheirMom  
  • Stelex
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:13pm

    Ray Kurzwell’s book is brilliant, but in my opinion it does not take into account human nature. A little to fluffy for me. All this technology is positive in his world, now apply all that technology in a negative way and ……..wholy **** batman. It only takes a few powerful people to exploit the masses. Just look at history and whats happening in America today. Tick……tick…..tick…….times running out folks.

    Report this comment

    Stelex  
    • Stelex
      Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:21pm

      The founders understood human nature, greed, power and ignorance. They tried to protect us from such evils. We have let them down and now we are seeing the ramifications of our lack of understanding. Why is the constitution not taught in schools anymore, why has the constitution slowly been picked apart. Why am I now concidered the enemy in my own country. Wake up people.

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:47pm

      I enjoyed your analysis. I’m a bit of a Sci Fi nerd from way back. These days I’m enjoying Science Fiction with a more military bent.

      They never. EVER. Consider human nature.

      Have you noticed that all technology seems to be growing exponentially in areas that explore inward? Genetics, Computers, Virtual Reality etc…but almost nothing about moving outward?

      No exploration into propulsion systems that can make achieving orbit cheaper. Nothing regarding improving interplanetary travel, much less exploration into drives and ships that could go to the stars.

      Why is that I wonder?

      Report this comment

      RANGER1965  
    • EgoLacuna
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 12:45pm

      @Ranger

      There is tons of research into those things…ion drives, solar sails, scram jets, orbital elevators, atmospheric fusion propulsion (this is an oldy but goody). I think the reason it may seem like there is an imbalance between life sciences, and physics is just because most people lack the framework to conceptually understand the physics, and so it’s reported less. Also, the timescales are so different – a scientist may spend 30 years preparing for a single space mission, whereas a biologist would complete hundreds of experiments in that time. What Glenn doesn’t mention is how horribly underfunded all science is in the U.S.. Virtually all research in robotics is coming from Japan. The Japanese and French are also pulling ahead in natural sciences. Funding for science shouldn’t be a political issue, but it has become one…conservatives are on the wrong side of this one.

      Report this comment

      EgoLacuna  
    • Uriel
      Posted on February 7, 2013 at 9:45pm

      Once Kurzweil & his allies become transcend humanity (i.e. become no longer “human” because they’re “superhuman”) then “human” nature will matter to them no more than lab-rat nature matters to you or me.
      They will no longer be human and therefore no longer subject to human morality. That is their goal. They will become the lab techs, and you & me will be the lab rats. Lab techs don’t lose sleep over experimentation that causes death or torment in lab rats.
      Lab Rats Unite!!

      Report this comment

      Uriel  
  • gyro
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:08pm

    Glenns reference to –soldiers are being mended and returning home physically fixed to an extent, but their internal scars are not being addressed– In regards to WW2 is incorect
    Lots and lots came back from WW2 and WW1 screwed up in the head but the family was stronger then so crazy uncle joe was looked after by family not dumped on the goverment to cure
    * Its about society not about ilness *
    The young man that died was doing the corect thing for the right reason old stile
    I think I said that right
    :)

    Report this comment

    gyro  
  • WAKEUPUSA2012
    Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:05pm

    Happy to see Beck telling his people some truth. Wake up to the NWO, but be aware of the people who….enlighten you. Question everything and everyone. (I know Beck says that) I just wish he was a little less establishment.

    Report this comment

    WAKEUPUSA2012  

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