Steven Umbrello

Steven Umbrello

Junior Associate at The Global Catastrophic Risk Institute

Location
Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Industry
Higher Education
Current
  1. Global Catastrophic Risk Institute,
  2. INSTITUTE FOR ETHICS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES INC.,
  3. Transhuman Policy Center
Education
  1. University of Toronto
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Summary

An academic by nature, and an educator at heart, Steven has immersed himself in understanding
biomedical ethics and the philosophy of emerging technologies. Through his current research projects with the Global Healthspan Policy Institute, the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute and the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies he is contributing to the research and policy initiatives of these field of study.

Steven is also intensively fascinated with history, dedicating himself to understanding the works of
the past, whilst concurrently applying it to the present, and the future. Doing this through the study and research of transhumanist philosophy and ethics, Steven seeks to illuminate the place of historical precedent in the ethics of emerging technologies.

Currently, he is preparing to pursue his graduate studies, Steven’s ideal vision for his career is one of education; informing, and persuading others of his lessons learnt; while continuing to dive further first himself.

Education

  • University of Toronto

    Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, Philosophy, Philosophy of Science & Classical Studies
    –

    Studying philosophy with an emphasis on the ethics and philosophy of science and technology.

  • College of Stoic Philosophers

    SES Certificate , Stoic Essential Studies
    – Present

    Intensive mentored course on Stoic Logic, Physics, Ethics and Practice.

  • Brighter Brains Certificate Programs

    Certificate in Transhumanism
    – Present

    Study and research in transhumanist philosophy and policy.

  • Brighter Brains Certificate Programs

    Certificate in Brain Health and Social Policy
    – Present

    The societal, economic and political influences on brain health, as well as possible solutions to downside effects.

Experience

  • Junior Associate

    Global Catastrophic Risk Institute
    – Present (3 years 1 month)

  • Advisory Board Member

    INSTITUTE FOR ETHICS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    – Present (8 months)

    Provide suggestions on conference topics, locations, and speakers as well as nominate potential Fellow and Affiliate Scholar appointments. I also aid in guiding IEET towards potential alliances, fundraising opportunities, and blog contributors.

  • Associate Review Board Member

    Transhuman Policy Center
    – Present (6 months)

    Provide nonpartisan guidance to the public and politicians regarding issues that affect everyone in the form of Policy Briefs and approved Policy Center papers

  • Policy Coordinator

    Global Healthspan Policy Institute
    – Present (2 months)

  • Affiliate Scholar

    Transhumanity.Net
    – Present (8 months)

    What is transhumanism? What are we about? If you’re here, maybe you’re new to transhumanism, interested in what it is about and why we all care? For transhumanists like me, its about helping others and becoming more than what we are now and working towards transcending our biology.

  • Administrator

    Stoically Speaking
    – Present (10 months)

    Stoically Speaking is resource nexus that explores the nature, function and practice of Stoic philosophy. Steven began Stoically Speaking as a tool to better understand the nature and practice of Stoic philosophy as well as provide a series of useful resources that can help others to better understand this philosophy of life.

  • Senior Editor

    Smoking Jacket Magazine
    – Present (1 year 9 months)

    Editing contributions and content to the magazine, recruiting, and writing reviews.

  • Volunteer

    Canadian Bookbinders & Book Artists Guild
    – Present (1 year 3 months)

    Research, organization and consolidation of CBBAG's suppliers.

Publications

  • Presentism and Relativity

    The Oxford Philosopher

    In this short paper I will be explicating and evaluating the arguments presented by Keller and Nelson in their paper, Presentists Should Believe in Time-Travel. I will show that their presuppositions, which are essential to their arguments, have the potential to devastate their position. We will see that one of these presuppositions comes into conflict with the General Theory of Relativity, and I will demonstrate that this endangers both their own agenda and presentism as a whole.

    Authors:

  • Collegia, Stability and the Vox Populi

    Ancient History Encyclopedia

    This short analysis will investigate the associations know as ‘collegia’ mentioned in the letters from the Roman pro-consul Pliny to the emperor Trajan. We will determine why Trajan was against the formation of such an association in Pontus-Bithynia as well as place the nature of collegia in the wider historical narrative. I will conclude by discussing the influence that political groups may have on the empires political system, as well as the level of political freedom that the common people had under Trajan’s regime. But first we must summarize Pliny’s Letters.

    Authors:

  • Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher Emperor or Philosopher-King?

    Ancient History Encyclopedia

    Was Marcus Aurelius a philosopher king only in the most literal sense, or was he a philosopher-king, as described by Plato in his magnum opus, The Republic? When people call Marcus the Philosopher king it is difficult to discern which of these two types of philosophical monarchs they are referring to. This article will hopefully shed some light on the difference as well as accurately describe Marcus’ philosophic reign.

    Authors:

  • De Mente Artificiosa et Philosophia: Stoicism in the Post-Singularity Future

    The Stoic Philosopher

    Humans may change, they may even transcend, but we cannot eliminate all the ‘problems’ that humans deal with on a daily basis. There will be a whole new host of issues and dilemmas that technologically advanced artificial intelligence will have to face. Just because we cannot fathom what those problems may be doesn’t mean that they won’t exist; and as long as they do exist then a virtue-based philosophy like Stoicism will still have a place in the future.

    Authors:

  • The Atlas Burden: The Cost of America’s Nuclear Arsenal

    The Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies

    The cost of maintaining such an arsenal is understandably gargantuan. Understanding the purpose behind the continued possession of nuclear weapons helps us to see how and why we need alternatives. The imperative of a nuclear state is to continue maintaining its deterrence policy. Doing so entails possessing an arsenal of weapons that can cause enough destructive force to warrant aversion to war. Up until now nuclear weapons have done that job, but a more affordable, equally life-threatening and less environmentally dangerous alternative should be considered.

    Authors:

  • On the Nature of A Priori Knowledge, its methods for Justification and the Apriority of Mathematics

    The Free Thinking Association

    This short paper will evaluate whether or not a priori knowledge is possible. The questions regarding the objections to the possibility of a priori knowledge are discussed, as are the possible resolutions to such objections with a focus on Hilary Putnam’s theory of contextual apriority. The nature of apriority in mathematics will also be examined and its possible absolute a priori status. A short deliberation regarding whether or not apriority obtains will conclude this paper, but before these are discussed the meaning of a priori knowledge must be considered.

    Authors:

  • The Soul and Consciousness of Revolutionary Politics

    The Free Thinking Association

    In this short paper I will be comparing and contrasting the political psychology of Plato’s Republic and Karl Marx’s political theory. Their concepts of group consciousness will be contrasted as well as how the nature and existence of ideology affect their theories. This will be concluded by a discussion on how the understanding of political psychology contributes to our concepts of political duty and freedom. But first, their theories of the soul must be explained.

    Authors:

  • Homo in Machina: Ethics of the AI Soul

    Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies

    This article will serve as an illustration of how we come to recognize the thresholds for providing an organism—biological or artificial—basic ethical treatment.

    Authors:

  • Spotlight: Steven Umbrello

    New Stoa Registry Report

    This month we welcome Steven Umbrello to New Stoa and talk about his introduction to Stoicism.

    Authors:

  • Is Vegetarianism Stoic?

    Stoicism Today - Exeter University

    We see that Seneca’s dabble in vegetarianism was not necessarily Stoic in origin, but rather a derivative of Pythagorean practice. So again we have to ask, is vegetarianism Stoic? Musonius Rufus (c. 30 AD – c. 101/2 AD), the famed Stoic teacher of Epictetus, has something to say about a Stoic diet and eating meat. He believed that we should eat those things that are easy to attain such as fruits, vegetables and herbs...

    Authors:

  • The Overlooked Stoic: Musonius Rufus

    Stoicism Today - Exeter University

    Gaius Musonius Rufus (c. 30 AD – c. 101/2 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher and a contemporary of both Epictetus and Seneca. He is most notably remembered for being the teacher of Epictetus, but also for being banished from Rome multiple times during the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. We can’t be sure whether Musonius Rufus wrote any books – if he did none survived – but his pupils and later authors preserved many of his sayings and discourses.

    Authors:

  • Disclosure & Identity

    Quantum Earth

    Panel Broadcast for the inaugural episode of Quantum Earth.

    Authors:

  • Star Treks Stoic: The Vulcans

    Philosophy Now

    Steven Umbrello explores parallel philosophical universes. Analyzing and comparing the ancient philosophical tradition of Stoicism to the modern science fiction species known as the Vulcans.

    Authors:

Languages

  • English

    Native or bilingual proficiency

  • Latin

    Elementary proficiency

Honors & Awards

  • Certificate of Appreciation

    University of Toronto Mississauga

    In recognition of your valuable contributions as a volunteer for the AccessAbility Resource Centre during the 2012-13 academic year.

  • Ontario Scholar

    Holy Cross Catholic Academy

    Who obtained an average of at least eighty percent in any six Grade 12 University Preparation courses.

  • Honour Roll Certificate

    Holy Cross Catholic Academy

    Awarded for Achieving academic Excellence during the year 2010-2011

  • Certificate of Merit

    Holy Cross Catholic Academy

    In recognition of Exemplary Service to the development of the Holy Cross Catholic Academy School Community

Certifications

Volunteer Experience & Causes

  • Junior Associate

    Global Catastrophic Risk Institute
    – Present (3 years 1 month)

    An organization that is a fundamental cog in the growing machine against global catastrophic risk. It is an honour to be part of an organization which strives to make a change for the better.

  • Social Media Research

    The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
    – Present (1 year 5 months)Education

    Founded in 2006 by Richard Dawkins, the foundation’s mission is to realize Richard’s vision to remove the influence of religion in science education and public policy, and eliminate the stigma that surrounds atheism and non-belief.

Opportunities Steven is looking for:

  • Joining a nonprofit board
  • Skills-based volunteering (pro bono consulting)

Causes Steven cares about:

  • Animal Welfare
  • Arts and Culture
  • Children
  • Civil Rights and Social Action
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Human Rights
  • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief
  • Poverty Alleviation
  • Science and Technology

Organizations Steven supports:

  • Greenpeace
  • Global Catastrophic Risk Institute
  • The Richard Dawkins Foundation

Skills

Organizations

  • The Global Catastrophic Risk Institute

    Junior Associate
    Starting

  • Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies

    Advisory Board Member & Contributor
    Starting

  • The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science

    Intern
    Starting

  • The College of Stoic Philosophers

    Alumni and Contributing Scholar
    Starting

  • Stoicism Today

    Member and Contributor
    Starting

  • The Stoic Registry

    Member and Contributor
    Starting

  • Joint Caucus of Socially Engaged Philosophers & Historians of Science

    Starting

  • Philosophy of Science Association

    Member
    Starting

  • History of Science Society

    Member
    Starting

  • The Aristotelean Society

    Member
    Starting

Courses

  • University of Toronto

    • Intro to Classical Civilization (CLA101H5)
    • The Environment (ENV100Y5)
    • Intro to Historical Studies (HIS101H5)
    • Intro to Biological Anthropology and Archaeology (ANT101H5)
    • Stars and Galaxies (AST201H5)
    • Introductory Psychology (PSY100Y5)
    • Introduction to Roman Culture & Society (CLA233H5)
    • Intro to Roman History (CLA231H5)
    • Ancient Astronomy and Astrology (CLA232H5)
    • Ancient Philosophy (PHL202H5)
    • Critical Reasoning (PHL247H5)
    • Puzzles and Paradoxes (PHL258H5)
    • Intro to Sociology (SOC100H5)
    • Intro to Greek History (CLA230H5)
    • The Roman Republic (CLA367H5)
    • Intro to Philosophy (PHL105Y5)
    • Minds and Machines (PHL240H5)
    • Issues in Epistemology (PHL333H5)
    • Intro to Personality (PSY230H5)
    • Classical Greece (CLA361H5)
    • Augustus and the Julio-Claudians (CLA368H5)
    • Philosophy of Science (PHL255H5)
    • Issues in Philosophy of Science (PHL355H5)
    • Current Issues in Law & Criminology (SOC209H5)
    • The High Roman Empire, 68-305 CE (CLA369H5)
    • Introductory Latin (LAT100Y5)
    • Ethics and Moral Philosophy (PHL275H5)
    • Issues in Metaphysics (PHL332H5)
    • Social and Political Philosophy (PHL265H5)
    • Philosophy of Biology (PHL357H5)
    • Issues in Philosophy and Feminism (PHL367H5)
    • 17th and 18th Century Philosophy (PHL210Y5)
    • Modern Symbolic Logic (PHL245H5)
    • Seminar in 17th and 18th Philosophy (PHL416H5)
    • Intro to Christianity (RLG203H5)
    • Existentialism (PHL220H5)

  • College of Stoic Philosophers

    • Stoic Essential Studies

  • Brighter Brains Certificate Programs

    • Transhumanism
    • Brain Health and Social Policy

Recommendations

A preview of what LinkedIn members have to say about Steven:

  • I worked with Steven as his mentor for the Stoic Essentials Studies, a Stoic Philosophy course instructed by the College of Stoic Philosophy (http://collegeofstoicphilosophers.org). During our work together, Steven presented a very thorough knowledge in Stoic Philosophy and demonstrated that he is an extremely intelligent person, capable of forming very good ideas, concepts and sensible lines of communication. He is eager, motivated and dedicated to his tasks at hand and pursuing new endeavors. I feel more than confident that Steven will be a valuable resource in any team or professional environment.
  • Steven Umbrello has written multiple, excellent policy papers while gaining his Certificate in Brain Health and Social Policy, and his Certificate in Transhumanism, via courses at the Brighter Brains Institute. Steven wrote a fabulous report on the multiple ways that nicotine can be ingested, with information on how nicotine impacts the brain. He also wrote a report on the mental damage suffered by orphans; the injury caused to their cognitive development due to being parentless. Brighter Brains Institute is going to circulate this report to its staff who work at the BiZoHa Orphanage in Muhokya, Uganda, the Rays of Light Orphanage School in Kyarumba, Uganda, and the Nyakiyumbu Widows Orphanage School in Nyakiyumbu. The most accomplished paper that Steven wrote reported on the mental injury caused by human consumption of sugar. The policy paper he wrote on this suggested wisely that a tax on sugar products could generate funds that could be spent on education. Brighter Brain Institute has already circulated this paper to one think tank (Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technology) and one policy center (Transhuman Policy Center). Additionally, Steven wrote several papers on developments in transhumanism. Outstanding among these papers was a report on advances in prosthetics. We heartily recommend Steven Umbrello for any position that involves serious research, writing, and policy suggestions.

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