Kevin Jain
Transhumanism & Education
In reviewing the curricula of various Universities, one will find few, if any, classes that meaningfully consider the increasing assimilation of technology with the human. If an education predicated on assumptions of human nature is made without a meaningful consideration of transhumanism, can it remain relevant in a future where technology may render false these very assumptions? How can the question of human enhancement be introduced as a topic of more widespread academic deliberation? This talk will also discuss current efforts in this arena.
Kevin Jain is an undergraduate at Harvard University, and is Founder and President of the Harvard College Future Society, a student organization interested in evaluating the impact of future technologies on the human and humanity. He is the Student H+ Summit Coordinator, and helped organize the H+ 2010 Summit at Harvard. He plans to graduate with a special concentration in Transhumanism.
1. Transhumanism & Education Kevin Jain President, Harvard College Future Society kevinjain@college.harvard.edu 2010 H+ Summit at Harvard University June 12, 2010
2. Purpose of Education For the Individual: A means towards self sufficiency & well being Fulfilling desire to learn about something For Society: Augment productivity & enable future well being Prepare us for the future
3. Vision of the Future Education: to “prepare us for the future” What is assumed to be the “future” that we are being prepared for?
4. Modern Assumptions * As a model for the future, not “explanatory” or “descriptive”
26. Significance Keep Education Relevant to Goal Shaky foundation Disconnection between model and world Understanding increases Receptivity Counteract Short Termism Consider our Biology Government, Businesses Interests
27. Towards a Solution: Our Current Efforts Organizations & Conferences Humanity+, Foresight, Singularity Summit, etc. Science Fiction VernorVinge, Isaac Asimov, Books & Magazines The Singularity is Near, Ending Aging, hplus Independent Research Wikipedia, blogs Classroom?
44. Getting Involved Textbook: Goal- Finish and get into classes by this time next year Collaborate Effort: We need teachers to teach Experts to write Students to take it! Taking Charge: Recognize the importance of transhumanism
46. Transhumanism & Education Kevin Jain President, Harvard College Future Society kevinjain@college.harvard.edu 2010 H+ Summit at Harvard University June 12, 2010