Augmented Human and Transhuman: What is the Difference?

Abstract

Augmented human (AH) technologies and transhumanism (TH) try to enhance or modify humans and give them new capabilities using bioengineering, information technology, new sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), implants, etc. The concepts of augmented human and transhuman are sometimes used as synonyms and they have some overlap with each other, but they differ significantly. This paper provides a framework to differentiate between AH and TH and helps to understand their goals and methods. We give an overview and conceptual distinctions of AH and TH and bring more clarity on terminology for the developers and practitioners working in these areas. We also discuss the realism of transhuman ideas, their philosophical premises, their intertwined ethical and societal issues, and some aspects of AI, as it is a crucial element in some AH and TH goals and scenarios.