Call for Papers from American Academy of Religion Transhumanism and Religion Consultation

2009 Call for Papers (open to non-American Academy of Religion members) - Deadline March 2, 2009

Transhumanism and Religion Consultation--American Academy of Religion -November 7-10, 2009 annual meeting in Montreal

This Consultation welcomes papers on any aspect of transhumanism and religion. We particularly welcome papers that identify and critically evaluate the implicit religious beliefs underlying key transhumanist claims and assumptions. For example, what are the operative notions of anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology that are at play in the transhumanist quest for enhancement, including extreme longevity? We welcome more overtly philosophical critiques of posthuman discourse, especially in respect to the employment of and reliance placed in technology. We encourage proposals about all religious traditions. Also, rather than depending on biotechnology, some transhumanists place greater confidence in nanotechnology, robotics, and information technology to achieve virtual immortality and create a superior posthuman species. We welcome critical and constructive assessments of this envisioned future. For more information, contact Calvin Mercer ([[email protected]]).

TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL ONLINE AS A NON-MEMBER

• go to [www.aarweb.org]
• on the right side, click on "online paper and panel proposal (OP3) system now open"
• scroll down and click on "Submit a Proposal as a Non-Member" and follow instructions
• the proposal is for the "Religion and Transhumanism" consultation

If your proposal is accepted, then you will need to become an AAR member and be registered for the annual meeting in (Montreal November 7-10) before June 15 to remain on the program. Deadline for submission of a proposal is March 2, 2009.

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSHUMANISM

"Transhumanism" or "human enhancement" refers to an intellectual and cultural movement that advocates the use of a variety of emerging technologies. The convergence of these technologies may make it possible to take control of human evolution, providing for the enhancement of human mental and physical abilities and the amelioration of aspects of the human condition regarded as undesirable. If these enhancements become widely available, it would arguably have a more radical impact than any other development in human history - one need only reflect briefly on the economic, political, and social implications of some of the extreme enhancement possibilities. The implications for religion and the religious dimensions of human enhancement technologies are enormous and are addressed in our consultation.