Father Ricardo Mejía Fernández, a Spanish priest and philosopher of science and technology, has sparked critical discussions with his latest book, Integral Transhumanism. In this thought-provoking work, he meticulously examines the transhumanist movement, a global ideology that envisions enhancing human capabilities through technological advancements. While transhumanism promotes the idea of extending human life, augmenting intelligence, and overcoming biological limitations through science, Father Mejía raises profound ethical and philosophical concerns about the movement’s long-term consequences on humanity.
In Integral Transhumanism, Father Mejía presents transhumanism as an extension of traditional humanism, yet one that risks distorting fundamental human values. His book navigates through the core tenets of transhumanism, questioning whether the pursuit of technological perfection could lead to the erosion of what truly defines human identity. He challenges the belief that human progress should be dictated primarily by technological development, warning that an over-reliance on artificial enhancements could ultimately reduce people to mere subjects of scientific experimentation.
The Transhumanist Association defines transhumanism as a cultural and intellectual movement that promotes using reason and technology to transcend the limitations of human biology, always within the framework of human rights and Enlightenment ideals. However, Father Mejía critiques this perspective, arguing that it prioritizes efficiency and technological prowess over moral and ethical considerations. He warns that the movement, while rooted in noble intentions, may inadvertently undermine human dignity by viewing individuals as malleable entities that can be upgraded like machines rather than as beings with intrinsic worth.
The book’s prologue is written by Archbishop Mario Iceta of Burgos, who praises Father Mejía’s ability to dissect transhumanism with clarity and depth. Archbishop Iceta likens Mejía’s critique to the child in Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes, who dares to state the obvious truth others fail to see. The archbishop summarizes Mejía’s thesis by emphasizing that while technology is a valuable tool for human development, it must never replace the essence of human identity. He highlights the danger of a worldview that treats technology as a form of salvation, cautioning against a future where people lose their spiritual and existential depth in the pursuit of mechanical perfection.
One of the book’s central arguments revolves around the ethical dilemma of who controls these technological advancements. Father Mejía raises concerns about the social inequalities that could arise from transhumanist innovations. He warns that human enhancement technologies may not be accessible to everyone, potentially creating a divided society where only the wealthy elite benefit from cognitive, physical, and genetic modifications. This could lead to a new form of discrimination, where those who remain “biologically natural” may be deemed inferior compared to those who have embraced artificial enhancements.
Furthermore, Father Mejía questions the potential consequences of artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence. He discusses the possibility of AI systems making autonomous decisions that could reshape moral and ethical standards, challenging long-held religious and philosophical beliefs about the nature of free will and human responsibility. The book explores whether a world increasingly governed by AI and genetic modification could lead to a loss of human purpose, detaching people from their cultural and spiritual roots.
Despite his critical stance, Father Mejía does not reject technology outright. Instead, he calls for a balanced approach—one that acknowledges the benefits of scientific progress while ensuring that human dignity and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovation. He argues for a future where technological advancements serve humanity rather than dictate its evolution.
By engaging deeply with the themes of human identity, ethics, and technology, Integral Transhumanism provides an essential contribution to contemporary debates about the future of humanity. It challenges readers to reflect on the direction in which society is heading and to consider whether the promises of transhumanism align with the fundamental principles of human dignity, spirituality, and moral responsibility.