Extropianism, also referred to as thephilosophy of extropy, is an "evolving framework of values and standards for continuously improving thehuman condition".[1] Extropians believe that advances in science and technology will some day let people live indefinitely. An extropian may wish to contribute to this goal, e.g. by doing research and development or by volunteering to test new technology.
Originated by a set of principles developed by the philosopherMax More inThe Principles of Extropy,[1] extropian thinking places strong emphasis onrational thinking and on practicaloptimism. According to More, these principles "do not specify particular beliefs, technologies, or policies". Extropians share an optimistic view of thefuture, expecting considerable advances in computational power,life extension,nanotechnology and the like. Many extropians foresee the eventual realization ofindefinite lifespans orimmortality, and the recovery, thanks to future advances in biomedical technology ormind uploading, of those whose bodies/brains have been preserved by means ofcryonics.[2][3]
The termextropy, as defined by Max More, is "The extent of a living or organizational system’s intelligence, functional order, vitality, and capacity and drive for improvement".[4] It means the opposite ofentropy, metaphorically interpreted as the tendency to degenerate and die out. Extropianism is "the philosophy that seeks to increase extropy".[2]
In 1986, More joinedAlcor, acryonics company, and helped establish (along with Michael Price, Garret Smyth and Luigi Warren) the first European cryonics organization, Mizar Limited (later Alcor UK).[5] In 1987, More moved to Los Angeles fromOxford University in England to work on his Ph.D. in philosophy at theUniversity of Southern California.[2]
In 1988,Extropy: The Journal of Transhumanist Thought was first published. (For the first few issues, it was "Extropy: Vaccine for Future Shock".) This brought together thinkers with interests inartificial intelligence,nanotechnology,genetic engineering,life extension,mind uploading,idea futures,robotics,space exploration,memetics, and the politics and economics oftranshumanism. Alternative media organizations soon began reviewing the magazine, and it attracted interest from like-minded thinkers. Later, More and Tom Bell co-founded theExtropy Institute (ExI), anon-profit501(c)(3) educational organization.[2][6] The institute was formed as a transhumanist networking and information center to use current scientific understanding along with critical and creative thinking to define a small set of principles or values that could help make sense of new capabilities opening up to humanity.[citation needed]
In 2006, the board of directors of the Extropy Institute made a decision to close the organization, stating that its mission was "essentially completed."[7]
In the 90s, the Extropy Institute launched an email mailinglistserv through which members could receive updates from the institute and have conversations about extropianism with other members.[8][9] Notable members include:
