Transhumanism and Buddhism

A comparative analysis of two worldviews — classical Buddhism (the Mahayana tradition) and the contemporary philosophy of transhumanism — is conducted. Comparative, dialectical, hermeneutic, phenomenological, analytical, and existential methods are employed. Drawing on the methodological distinction between moderate and radical transhumanism, the study explores conceptual intersections and fundamental divergences between the ancient spiritual tradition of Buddhism and technocentric futurism. It is shown that both systems seek to overcome the limitations of human existence, including suffering, disease, aging, and death. The concept of the “Prometheus Challenge” is introduced as a characteristic of the historical imperative facing contemporary civilization in addressing the question of the limits of permissible technological transformation of human nature. Buddhist concepts such as anatman (non-self), karuna (compassion), and bodhicitta are examined, and their ethical teachings are analyzed as a possible basis for rapprochement between differing positions. Particular attention is paid to the distinction between external (technological) and internal (meditative) forms of human enhancement. It is concluded that a dialogue between Buddhism and moderate transhumanism—the concept of the neo-human—is productive and may contribute to the development of humanitarian criteria for evaluating emerging technologies, whereas radical transhumanism—the concept of the posthuman—enters into an irreconcilable conflict with the Buddhist understanding of the nature of the self and suffering.

EDN ZOXJPW