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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The aim of the international research symposium "Imagining the (Post-)Human Future: Meaning, Critique, and Consequences" is to contribute to a better understanding of the connections between beliefs concerning the future of humanity and technological innovation. It will be held within the framework of the research project ‘The Transhumanist Imagination: Innovation, Secularization, and Eschatology’ conducted by Arizona State University Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict (ASU-CSRC) and led by the project’s principal investigators Hava Tirosh-Samuelson and J. Benjamin Hurlbut. The conference will be scientifically organized and managed by the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT-ITAS; official in charge: Christopher Coenen) and funded in part by a grant from The Historical Society at Boston University/John Templeton Foundation program in "Religion and Innovation in Human Affairs" (RIHA). KIT-ITAS is co-organizing the conference with Tirosh-Samuelson and Hurlbut of ASU.
In line with the goals of the project, the research symposium will focus on a specific ‘techno-social imaginary’ that today is frequently termed ‘posthumanism’ or 'transhumanism'. While the notion of ‘posthumanism’ is also used for a postmodern intellectual movement questioning traditional humanism, ‘transhumanism’ is based on the belief that science and technology will enable the human race to transcend its biological limitations like death, age, disease and bodily constraints. The transhumanisz imaginary dates back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and today is not only promoted by a socio-cultural movement but also appears to have increasing influence in various technoscientific fields and on their cultural representations. By bringing together social scientists, humanists, philosophers and others, the symposium aims to deepen our understanding of posthumanism and the transhumanist imaginary, the meaning of the notion of ‘progress,’ and the degree to which religious or quasi-religious ideas inspire and shape technological changes. The transhumanist imaginary will be reflected on against a broader socio-cultural and historical background. We will analyse the history and pre-history of transhumanist visions as well as their relevance concerning the interrelations of science and religion in our (post)secular societies. Following the premise that imaginations of the future have profound consequences for ethical postures, governance, and social order in the present, we will examine public discourse, policy, and culturally powerful imaginaries by undertaking cross-national comparisons.
Information on participating / attending:
The discussions will be held by invited participants only. Others are welcome to attend the symposium in the audience after registration (by email to hannah.weinhardt@partner.kit.edu). Please register before 1 July 2013. There are no entrance fees. Fingerfood and drinks will be provided.
Date:
07/08/2013 09:30 - 07/09/2013 20:00
Registration deadline:
06/30/2013
Event venue:
Badisches Landesmuseum Karlsruhe, Schlossbezirk 10,
Gartensaal
76131 Karlsruhe
Baden-Württemberg
Germany
Target group:
Scientists and scholars, Students
Email address:
Relevance:
international
Subject areas:
Cultural sciences, History / archaeology, Philosophy / ethics, Religion, Social studies
Types of events:
Conference / symposium / (annual) conference
Entry:
06/17/2013
Sender/author:
Inge Arnold
Department:
Presse, Kommunikation und Marketing
Event is free:
yes
Language of the text:
English
URL of this event: http://idw-online.de/en/event44055
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