Transhumanism and Plato.

[Fiannancaptain of 1,000]

In his "Republic" Plato envisioned a society broken down into three levels -- the ruling elite or guardians, the military and the peasants/artisans. The guardians would be selected based on moral virtue and intellect. People would have democracy but only be able to choose between guardians who were of the same basic backgrounds. The guardians would also be expected to impregnate women of all the other classes in order to upgrade each generation.

The other two classes are pretty self-explanitory. They go to work, defend the state and carry on their basic lives. They have their own sorts of entertainment and are encouraged to devote time to sports and other interests but leave ruling the state up to the guardians.

Of course there is the slave class but they don't really count.

So how does this all fit into transhumanism today? Well, just as most college students like Plato's ideas as long as they could be guardians I think most people find things they like about transhumanism as long as they get to play. I just wonder if the elite would ever share the fruits of what may be the next phase of human development?

Interesting video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01hbkh4hXEk