On a well-known YouTube channel, Father Michael Baggot, L.C., offers an in-depth analysis of these two relevant topics and how to use them prudently as part of a virtuous moral life.
The recent announcement by Elon Musk of the first wireless brain implant Neuralink in a human patient, sparked quickly the fear of a dehumanized cyborg future. However, most human beings already live the present immersed critically in technology that subtly shapes their sense of identity and social relationships. Furthermore, culturally influential dualist anthropologies have long separated the self from the body and have treated the latter as a malleable tool of the former.
Father Michael Baggot, L.C., editor and author of “Enhancement Fit for Humanity: Perspectives on Emerging Technologies”, offers an in-depth analysis of transhumanism and emerging technologies in his latest interview with Matt Fradd on the longest-standing Catholic debate program in the United States, “Pints with Aquinas”. The extensive conversation explores the ethical and cultural implications of medically assisted reproduction, eugenics, genetic editing, and artificial intelligence. It also examines the connections between transhumanism and the more well-known transgenders.
The majority of human beings already live the present immersed critically in technology that shapes their sense of identity.
The interview – only in English – goes beyond mere alarmism about future catastrophes to evaluate the underlying philosophies that inspire some of the world’s leading thinkers to invest enormous sums of money and energy in radical projects of human enhancement and digital immortality. Baggot explains why dialogue with this movement is fruitful, though challenging. He appeals to philosophy, theology, and science fiction to affirm the positive aspirations of transhumanism and redirect its deviations. In particular, he argues that some biotechnological enhancements can be prudently used as part of a virtuous moral life. Father Baggot also recalls the surprising Catholic roots of contemporary secular transhumanism and urges believers to live the beauty of their call to transfiguration in everyday life.
Father Michael Baggot, LC, is associate professor of Bioethics at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum and adjunct professor of Theology at the Catholic Institute of Technology. He is also a professor of the “Joint Diploma in Leadership: Service through Virtues” and the summer program “Catholic Worldview Fellowship”. He was an adjunct professor of Theology in the Rome program of Christendom College from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, Baggot is a research fellow at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights and a member of the Academic Advisory Council of Magisterium AI. His writings have appeared in First Things, Studia Bioethica, The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, and Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy. Baggot is the chief editor and contributor to the book “Enhancement Fit for Humanity: Perspectives on Emerging Technologies” (Routledge, 2022).
