SS 51 - Dr. Calvin Mercer - Social and Religious Implications of Life Extension

Dr. Calvin Mercer appears on the Soloman Success show to explain a little bit about what transhumanism is and what exactly defines a 'human'. He talks about some of the future problems transhumanists might face when the technology allows you to modify your body in extreme terms and have it help you extend your life. He currently resides in North Caroline and has been teaching at the East Carolina University since 1985.    Key Takeaways:  7:25 – Fundamentalists are often anti-science and Dr. Calvin believes that it's going to get very complicated in the near future when more powerful technology is available and more people question what being human is.  12:00 – The transhumanism community used to talk a lot about immortally. They understand that this subject can create problems for extremely religious groups because it gives them the image that they're trying to play God.  13:40 – Many people are fine with enhancing yourself, but are not okay with enhancing your genetics that can affect future generations.  16:20 – Dr. Calvin finds that women are less likely to be open to different therapies and technologies that would make them live for over 100 years. 18:00 – A lot of the transhumanism communities consistent of computer engineers and other people in the technology field.        Mentioned In This Episode: http://www.jasonhartman.com/cw-290-%E2%80%9C100-how-the-coming-age-of-longevity-will-change-everything%E2%80%9D-with-sonia-arrison/   http://www.ecu.edu/religionprogram/mercer/