
About this episode
Dante coined the word "transhumanise" in the Divine Comedy, 700 years ago. "Trasumanar" is the transformation he will undergo in order to share in the life of paradise.
Today, the word has associations that are strikingly related to Dante's; partly quite similar, though changed in subtle but crucial ways. Understanding those differences illuminates the dangers of transhumanism today and how it might limit, not expand, our humanity.
I consider this constriction across half a dozen areas on the transhumanism agenda: telepathy, happiness, intelligence, stellar living, the superman, and death.
Transhumanising is a religious promise. It becomes a modern threat when that transcendent perspective is eclipsed and lost.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Dante's Divine Comedy publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Dante's Divine Comedy

Pimps, remorse and blood. Dante's Divine Comedy and the critique of the Papacy
Dante's Divine Comedy

The way down is the way up. Dante on how to live in turbulent times. Lessons fro...
Dante's Divine Comedy

Is hell forever? The Inferno. Jason Baxter & Mark Vernon on Dante’s film noir
Dante's Divine Comedy

Is hell really boring? Rowan Williams & Jesse Armstrong, Dante & William Blake
Dante's Divine Comedy