Jordan Harmon is a psychotherapist and social worker who considers himself an “accidental transhumanist.” His journey into transhumanism began after encountering the Mormon Transhumanist Association (MTA) through a podcast and subsequent interactions with members. Initially drawn by a misunderstanding—thinking it was the “Mormon Transpersonal Association” due to his interest in transpersonal psychotherapy and its implications for spiritual growth—Harmon initially approached transhumanism with some hesitation.
However, after engaging with the ideas of transhumanists like Lincoln Cannon and Carl Youngblood, Harmon became increasingly interested in the movement. His work now explores the intersection of psychology and transhumanism, particularly focusing on our relationship to pain and problem-solving. He delineates two types of problem solving: the primitive, reactive response rooted in evolutionary survival, and the evolved, meaning-making response of the prefrontal cortex, which can sometimes exacerbate emotional and psychological pain.
At the MTAConf 2015, Harmon discussed the “problem of problem solving,” examining how our evolved capacity for rational thought and planning can inadvertently trap us in our minds, hindering our ability to live fully. He also touched upon the internal experience, characterized by a vast array of thoughts, emotions, urges, and moral judgments, and how these elements interact to shape our perceptions and actions, highlighting persistent challenges in self-governance and interpersonal relationships.
