Radical and Moderate Transhumanism as Possible Society Responses to the “Challenge of Prometheus”

The article provides a sociophilosophical analysis of various transhumanist concepts. Using general logical and general scientific methods (abstraction, analogy, comparison, induction and deduction, mental modeling), they are differentiated and two directions are identified: moderate and radical transhumanism. Representatives of both directions substantiate the expediency of improving human nature, but the results of this improvement are different. Supporters of moderate transhumanism, which includes most of the domestic researchers, believe that in the process of changing nature, the individual will retain and develop the human essence, but will modify its material carrier. Supporters of radical transhumanism, which includes most of the Western researchers, argue that in the course of transhumanist transformations, a person will not only change his nature, but will lose his human essence. The designated transhumanist preferences are not accidental and represent a response of a specific community to the challenge of history. This challenge is characterized by the author using a new concept, the “Challenge of Prometheus”. “Challenge of Prometheus” takes its name from the mythical hero who gave people fire to improve their lives. In the modern world, the analogue of this fire is NBIC convergent technologies. According to the author, the concept of moderate transhumanism is an adequate and strong response to the “Challenge of Prometheus”. It will allow society to solve global problems and preserve human civilization.