In many popular science fiction novels, people can read about a future full of fantastical gadgets, advanced artificial intelligences, and superhuman cyborgs. While some of this may seem far-fetched, thanks to recent scientific advances, it may soon be possible for people to take advantage of some amazing technologies they've been hearing about, such as life-prolonging therapies or cybernetic implants. A new philosophy known as transhumanism emerged in response to these innovations and embraced this vision of a future without death and populated by enhanced posthumans. However, while many of these technologies have enormous potential to improve the human condition, it is essential that we, as a species, exercise discretion and moderation when implementing these techniques and devices if we hope to avoid many of the terrifying consequences of misuse. To understand many of the dangers and drawbacks of these technological ambitions, it is essential to first understand the philosophy that has become so synonymous with these efforts. Transhumanism can be described as a philosophy that advocates the use of technology to improve not only the quality of life of human beings, but also their lifespan, mental and physical capabilities. Transhumanism is essentially a radical extension of humanism. Like humanists, transhumanists value “rational thought, freedom, tolerance, democracy and concern for our fellow human beings”. The major difference in the case of transhumanism, however, lies in the added belief in the improvement not only of "the human condition and the external world", but also of the human species as a whole. When advocating for biological enhancements, transhumanists typically refer to a belief in autonomy in the middle of the article......ijntje Smits. “A European approach to human development.” Paper presented at the European Union Scientific and Technological Options Assessment Workshop, Brussels, Belgium, February 24, 2009. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/events/workshop/20090224/background_en .pdf (accessed March 24, 2009). 2010).Aubrey de Grey, “The War on Aging”. In The Scientific Conquest of Death, edited by Bruce J. Klein, 29-45. Buenos Aires: LibrosEnRed, 2004. http://www.imminst.org/SCOD.pdf (accessed March 24, 2010).Andy Miah. “Be Very Afraid: Cyborg Athletes, Transhuman Ideals, and Posthumanity.” » Journal of Evolution & Technology 13, no. 1. (October 2003), http://jetpress.org/volume13/miah.html (accessed March 24, 2010).Andy Miah. “Posthumanism: a critical history.” » In Medical Enhancement and Posthumanity, edited by Ruth Chadwick and Bert Gordjin, 71-94. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 2009.