In the framework of an interdisciplinary research project, the students attending the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Prva gimnazija Varaždin, Croatia explored the topic of transhumanism and tried to answer a crucial question: Are we ethically allowed to do everything we can do technologically?

On the 14^th June 2023, the students of 3IB class participated in a natural science project, known as Group 4 project which took place in a multifunctional school room called ROC. The theme of the project was “Transhumanism: Future of Humans as a Species“. 19 students from the 3.IB were divided in groups which explored various aspects of technological innovations connected with transhumanism. The groups, lead by group leaders Hedi Dujmović, Lara Panić and Ivan Puklavec, made a final presentation The teachers of natural science subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Environmnetal Systems and Societies) joined by the TOK teacher monitored the progress of students and helped them in the making of the presentation.

IB values and transhumanism

Since the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme emphasizes critical and creative thinking, holistic education, and the development of essential skills such as collaboration and interaction, information and media literacy as well as organizational and research skills, the Group4 project allows students to apply all of those skills. In addition, it fosters most of the qualities of the IB learners profile such as being reflective, open-minded, inquisitive and efficient communicators. As Transhumanism is a movement advocating the use of technology and science to enhance human abilities and transcend biological limitations, it was a great topic for G4 project because it covers all of the group 4 subjects: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Environmnetal Systems and Societies. What is more, the topic of transhumanism raises a lot of ethical questions that’s why Theory of Knowledge (TOK) was also included in the project since it connects knowledge across disciplines and promotes critical analysis.

“It was very interesting and fun. I learnt new methods of approaching transhumanism. The working in groups was challenging, but inspiring. My favourite part was the whole presentation and it made me really proud of how far we came as a class.“

Noa Planinc

Aspects of transhumanism covered by G4 research

Everyone was divided into one of 5 groups, and it was important to ensure that every group has someone from each subject. The topics covered in the presentation were Neuralink, cognitive enhancement, gene editing, 3D Bioprinting, artificial intelligence and anti-ageing. Each topic was looked at from the perspectives of different subjects and the impact of the technology on humans and their biology was investigated. It was important to look at ethical considerations for each topic and the TOK question: “Are we ethically allowed to do everything we can do technologically?​” was asked. The research for the topics was done by reading articles and works online, using artificial intelligence to find new sources and by using our previous knowledge. It was concluded that new technological improvements can greatly impact our lives and that we shouldn’t be ethically allowed to do everything we can do technologically. At first it was hard to keep the groups organized but, in the end, everyone got along well and the whole class grew closer together.

“I liked how we were working as a team and how we cooperated as a class and as a whole. I also thought that we did a good job in assigning tasks which helped us approach the topic of transhumanism from different angles. I personally didn’t like the theme of transhumanism because I am not interested in technical sciences so I would improve the choice of topic to fit everybody’s interests.“

Lara Panić

Transhumanism and its implications for the youth

In the end transhumanism is exceptionally relevant for young generations as it explores the intersection of technology and human potential. The Group4 project allowed the IB students to delve into ethical considerations and develop critical thinking towards technological advancements, enabling them to make informed decisions and shape the future responsibly

Written by Hedi Dujmović, IB DP student, Prva gimnazija Varaždin, Croatia