Medieval Transhumanism vs. Reactionary Transhumanism

Attribute	Medieval Transhumanism	Reactionary Transhumanism
Time Period	Medieval era	Modern era
Philosophical Roots	Christian theology and alchemy	Conservatism and traditionalism
Goals	Attainment of divine perfection	Preservation of traditional values
Technological Views	Belief in the transformative power of alchemy and magic	Skepticism towards technological advancements
Attitude towards Change	Embraces change as a means of spiritual evolution	Resists change to maintain societal order

Introduction

Transhumanism is a philosophical movement that seeks to enhance human capabilities through the use of technology. While the concept of transhumanism is often associated with modern advancements in science and technology, there are historical precedents for this idea. Two such examples are Medieval Transhumanism and Reactionary Transhumanism. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two forms of transhumanism and explore how they differ in their approaches to enhancing human abilities.

Medieval Transhumanism

Medieval Transhumanism is a term used to describe the belief in the possibility of transcending human limitations through spiritual or mystical means during the Middle Ages. This form of transhumanism was often associated with alchemy, astrology, and other esoteric practices that were believed to hold the key to unlocking hidden human potential. Proponents of Medieval Transhumanism believed that through the manipulation of spiritual energies, humans could achieve immortality, superhuman strength, and other extraordinary abilities.

• Focus on spiritual and mystical practices
• Belief in transcending human limitations
• Emphasis on achieving immortality and superhuman abilities
• Associated with alchemy and astrology
• Rooted in the belief in hidden human potential

Reactionary Transhumanism

Reactionary Transhumanism is a more modern form of transhumanism that is characterized by a desire to return to traditional values and beliefs while still embracing technological advancements. Proponents of Reactionary Transhumanism believe that by combining the wisdom of the past with the innovations of the present, humans can achieve a higher state of being. This form of transhumanism often emphasizes the importance of preserving human nature and identity while seeking to enhance human capabilities through technology.

• Desire to return to traditional values
• Embrace of technological advancements
• Focus on preserving human nature and identity
• Belief in achieving a higher state of being through a combination of past wisdom and modern innovation
• Emphasis on the importance of balancing tradition and progress

Comparison

While both Medieval Transhumanism and Reactionary Transhumanism share a common goal of enhancing human abilities, they differ in their approaches and underlying beliefs. Medieval Transhumanism is rooted in spiritual and mystical practices, with a focus on transcending human limitations through esoteric means. In contrast, Reactionary Transhumanism seeks to combine traditional values with technological advancements, emphasizing the importance of preserving human nature and identity in the pursuit of enhancement.

Another key difference between the two forms of transhumanism is their views on human potential. Medieval Transhumanism believes in the existence of hidden human potential that can be unlocked through spiritual practices, while Reactionary Transhumanism sees human potential as something that can be enhanced through a combination of past wisdom and modern innovation.

Additionally, Medieval Transhumanism tends to be more individualistic in nature, with a focus on personal transformation and self-improvement. Proponents of this form of transhumanism often seek to achieve immortality and superhuman abilities for themselves through spiritual means. On the other hand, Reactionary Transhumanism places a greater emphasis on the collective good and the preservation of human society as a whole, viewing enhancement as a way to benefit humanity as a whole.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Medieval Transhumanism and Reactionary Transhumanism are two distinct forms of transhumanism that differ in their approaches to enhancing human abilities. While Medieval Transhumanism is rooted in spiritual and mystical practices, Reactionary Transhumanism combines traditional values with technological advancements. Both forms of transhumanism share a common goal of enhancing human capabilities, but they differ in their views on human potential and the importance of preserving human nature and identity. By understanding the attributes of these two forms of transhumanism, we can gain insight into the diverse ways in which humans have sought to transcend their limitations throughout history.