Transvision review: the social angle to transhumanism

October 27, 2014

Many of the world’s leading transhumanist and technoprogressive thinkers and critics are gathering in Paris for the “Transvision 2014” conference from 20–22 November.

Two weeks later, London Futurists are holding this review meetup, in London, to highlight some of the most interesting and important presentations and discussions from Transvision 2014.

London Futurists chair David Wood, who will be attending and speaking at Transvision 2014, will lead this London Futurists review. Topics likely to be covered include:

  • Among all the issues facing human society, what is the priority of seeking to reduce inequality?
  • Is rapid technological progress likely to increase the problems of inequality, or instead decrease them?
  • Does positive technological development need a movement to organise it – such as a transhumanist or technoprogressive movement – or is it sufficient for people to support individual technological and social initiatives?
  • What should be done to encourage a more positive view, among the general public, towards a transhuman potential?
  • Just as transhumanists believe it will be possible to improve the human body, better than biological evolution has accomplished, will it also be possible to improve the operation of the economy, beyond the performance of the free market?
  • What kind of alliances should transhumanists be building with other progressive, rationalist, activist movements?
  • What can the various different transhumanist and technoprogressive movements around the world learn from each other, and from historical antecedents?

About the lead speaker:

For more information about David Wood, see his LinkedIn entry, his corporate website Delta Wisdom, or his personal blog.

His most recent book, published in September 2014, was“Smartphones and beyond: lessons from the remarkable rise and fall of Symbian”. He was also the lead editor of the collection “Anticipating 2025: a guide to the radical changes that may lie ahead, whether or not we’re ready”. He is currently working on a new book, “Approaching rejuvenation: is science on the point of radically extending human longevity”.

About Transvision 2014:

The first Transvision conference took place in Weesp, The Netherlands, 5-7 June 1998.

It was followed by events in Stockholm in 1999, London in 2000,Berlin in 2001, Yale University (New Haven CT) in 2003, Torontoin 2004, Caracas Venezuela in 2005, Helsinki in 2006, andChicago in 2007. After a break of a few years, the name “Transvision” returned for a conference in Milan in 2010. Transvision 2014 is taking place in Paris.

The speakers in Paris will be: Francesco Paolo Adorno, Laurent Alexandre, Sylvie Allouche, Miguel Benasayag, Thierry Berthier, Jean-Michel Besnier, Vincent Billard, Didier Coeurnelle, Angélique Del Rey, Gabriel Dorthe, Guillaume Dumas, Olivier Goulet, Aubrey de Grey, James Hughes, Marina Maestrutti, Xavier Pavie, Miroslav Radman, Anders Sandberg, Rémi Sussan, Amon Twyman, Natasha Vita-More, and David Wood, as well as the lead organizer, Marc Roux. For biographical details, and for information about the topic addressed by the speakers, see the conference website.

Anyone who is interested in technoprogressive or transhumanist ideas is encouraged to attend Transvision 2014.

The London Futurists review event on 6th December is intended for people unable to participate in the Paris event, and for people who attended Transvision 2014 and who wish to extend these discussions.

Meeting Logistics:

2pm-4pm, Saturday 6th December 2014.

Venue: Room <to-be-announced>, Birkbeck College, Torrington Square WC1E 7HX, London.

Room TBA is on the TBA-th floor in the main Birkbeck College building, in Torrington Square (which is a pedestrian-only square). Torrington Square is about 10 minutes walk from either Russell Square or Goodge St tube stations.

Coffee and other light refreshments can be purchased from the Costa Coffee shop in the reception area of the building, either ahead of or after the meeting.

The event will be followed by a chance to continue the discussion in a nearby pub – The Marlborough Arms, 36 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HJ.

Event hashtag:

#LonFut

Covering meeting costs:

A small fee (£5) is payable to attend this meetup. This fee covers room costs. Please pay in advance, online.

This will be refunded if the meeting is cancelled or rearranged, or if the attendee cancels at least 3 days before the meetup.

Alternatively, if there are still seats available, payment can be made in cash at the door on the day. (Requesting payment in advance assists with accurate planning of the event.)

Journalists are welcome to attend the meeting free-of-charge – please contact the organiser, notifying us in advance of your plans to attend.