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Wrocławski Przegląd Teologiczny

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2024)

Systematic theology

The New Man: By Grace or By Technology? Thomas Aquinas in the Face of the Promises of Transhumanism

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52097/wpt.8481  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2024-11-29

Abstract

The article presents a theological assessment of proposals associated with so-called transhumanism concerning human enhancement, which extends beyond the mere implementation of new technologies, encompassing a range of anthropological and theological issues. Drawing upon the theology of Thomas Aquinas, the article highlights fundamental differences between the concept of new creation in Christianity and the technological creation of a new human in transhumanism. To this end, Aquinas’ reflections on the meaning of earthly life as a crucial stage towards achieving new creation, based on his interpretation of the Gospel of St. Matthew, are presented. According to Aquinas, the new creation, though radically different, emerges from the old creation, which becomes the pathway to achieving the purpose destined by God for humanity. Subsequently, the consequences of transhumanist anthropology, grounded in a gnostic reduction of human essence to the spiritual realm, as well as references to secular eschatology evident in transhumanist views, will be analyzed.

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