Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Problems of Transhumanism: Liberal Democracy vs. Technocratic Absolutism
Problems of Transhumanism: Liberal Democracy vs. Technocratic Absolutism
J. Hughes
Ethical Technology
Transhumanists, like Enlightenment partisans in general, believe that human nature can be improved but are conflicted about whether liberal democracy is the best path to betterment. The liberal tradition within the Enlightenment has argued that individuals are best at finding their own interests and should be left to improve themselves in self-determined ways. But many people are mistaken about their own best interests, and more rational elites may have a better understanding of the general good. Enlightenment partisans have often made a case for modernizing monarchs and scientific dictatorships. Transhumanists need to confront this tendency to disparage liberal democracy in favor of the rule by dei ex machina and technocratic elites.
Problems of Transhumanism: Liberal Democracy vs. Technocratic Absolutism
Ethical Technology
Transhumanists, like Enlightenment partisans in general, believe that human nature can be improved but are conflicted about whether liberal democracy is the best path to betterment. The liberal tradition within the Enlightenment has argued that individuals are best at finding their own interests and should be left to improve themselves in self-determined ways. But many people are mistaken about their own best interests, and more rational elites may have a better understanding of the general good. Enlightenment partisans have often made a case for modernizing monarchs and scientific dictatorships. Transhumanists need to confront this tendency to disparage liberal democracy in favor of the rule by dei ex machina and technocratic elites.
Humanity+ Student Network
Humanity+ Student Network
The Humanity+ Student Network is an international coalition of independent student organizations dedicated to promoting discussion of transhumanist issues and technologies. In addition, the H+SN and its member groups seek to provide opportunities for students to become involved in university-level work, research, and development exploring the promises and perils of emerging technologies and the future direction of humanity.
Tell the EPA: Stop toxic oil and gas air pollution
Tell the EPA: Stop toxic oil and gas air pollution
Oil and gas drilling in 30 states releases a slew of dangerous and toxic air pollution like smog-forming ozone, benzene and formaldehyde.
Despite the serious respiratory and neurological impacts, the clean air rules governing drilling pollution haven't been updated since the 1980's. And many of the worst chemicals still aren't regulated at all.
The EPA has proposed long-overdue updates to oil and gas air pollution rules and is accepting public comments until November 30th. Amidst mounting industry pressure, and mounting political pressure from within the Obama administration to cave to polluters ahead of the 2012 election, it's really important that the EPA hears our strong support.
"Thank you for proposing new rules to limit toxic air emissions from oil and gas operations.The proposed rules are fair, achievable and vitally important given that regulations to protect our air from oil and gas drilling have not kept up with the rapid pace of drilling expansion.In addition to reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds, your agency should limit emissions of methane, a potent heat-trapping gas that leads to global warming. Your agency also needs to strengthen the limits of hazardous air pollutants and cancer-causing chemicals like benzene to fulfill your legal duty to protect communities from unacceptable health threats like toxic air pollution coming from the oil and gas sector.Signed, ME"
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Plea for Common Sense on Fukushima - Learning About Energy
A Plea for Common Sense on Fukushima - Learning About Energy
A Plea for Common Sense on Fukushima
New lessons are beginning to emerge from Fukushima. Each new concern leads to additional safety requirements. But some contradictions are beginning to raise questions: Amid tens of thousands of deaths from non-nuclear causes, not a single life-shortening radiation injury has occurred. Not one! And while some people in the housing area are wearing cumbersome rad-con suits, filtered gas-masks, gloves and booties, there are many people living carefree in other places like Norway, Brazil, Iran, India where folks have lived normal lives for countless generations with radiation levels as much as a hundred times greater than forbidden areas of the Fukushima homes.
At Fukushima this is no abstract issue. People are being told they cannot return home for an indeterminate period – perhaps years. And efforts to decontaminate their home sites may require stripping off all the rich top-soil and calling it RadWaste. People who were evacuated have been reduced to economic poverty, clinical depression, and even suicide.
There is good scientific evidence that, except for some hot spots, the radiation levels at these home-sites are not life-threatening. The current restrictions are based on a desire to be “conservative.” No matter how well intended, this “conservatism” is cruelly destructive. The respected radiation authority Wade Allison, author of Radiation and Reason, has proposed that the current annual radiation dose limit be raised 1000-fold, which he says is still well below the hazard level of clinical data on which he bases his proposal. Other radiation protectionists are beginning to feel unhappy about the harm their rules have caused and are joining in the cry for quick action as the Japanese head into winter.
It’s time that the draconian measures be revoked. A simple declaration of the known health facts about radiation from the proper authorities would be a good first step.
Ted Rockwell
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Jimmy Fallon/Neil Young "Pants on the Ground"....sigh....
Hi, y'all... here's some sweet and tender...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Decoding Design | SmartPlanet
Decoding Design | SmartPlanet
I'm glued to these guys, it's my surfing zone....
New Issue of design mind Partners with TEDGlobal to Explore the Stuff of Life
New Issue of design mind Partners with TEDGlobal to Explore the Stuff of Life "We were thrilled to investigate the 'Stuff of Life' theme, and the result is an issue that uncovers the essence of what makes life possible, interesting, and meaningful," said Sam Martin, editor-in-chief of design mind.
Read more: http://www.dexigner.com/news/24168#ixzz1dpASpFi4
Read more: http://www.dexigner.com/news/24168#ixzz1dpASpFi4
15 Great Gadgets and Gifts for Designers | Design Shack
15 Great Gadgets and Gifts for Designers | Design Shack
Oh Boy! ANY time is a great time for good, fun, useful, sleek, attractive, inviting, inspiring, geekish stuff. Take a LOOK!