Posthumanism: A Critical Analysis

by Stefan Herbrechter

What does it mean to be human today? The answer to this question, which is as old as the human species itself, is becoming less and less certain. Current technological developments increasingly erode our traditional humanist reflexes: consciousness, emotion, language, intelligence, morality, humour, mortality - all these no longer demonstrate the unique character and value of human existence. Instead, the spectre of the 'posthuman' is now being widely invoked as the 'inevitable' next evolutionary stage that humans are facing.

Who comes after the human? This is the question that posthumanists are taking as their starting point. This critical introduction understands posthumanism as a discourse, which, in principle, includes everything that has been and is being said about the figure of the 'posthuman'. It outlines the genealogy of the various posthuman 'scenarios' in circulation and engages with their theoretical and philosophical assumptions and social and political implications. It does so by connecting the philosophical debate about the future of humanity with a range of texts, including examples from new media, popular culture, science and the media.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Theory

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Stefan Herbrechter is a freelance writer, academic, researcher and translator. Until 2014, he was Reader in Cultural Theory and Director of Postgraduate Studies (Media) at Coventry University. In 2015, he was a Senior Fellow at the IKKM in Weimar. Currently, he is a research fellow at Coventry University, Leeds Trinity University and Privatdozent at Heidelberg University.

He is the author and editor of a number of volumes, articles and contributions on literature, critical and cultural theory and cultural studies. Together with Ivan Callus, University of Malta he is editor and author of Critical Posthumanisms. He is also one of the co-directors of the Critical Posthumanism Network.

Reviews

[Manuela Rossini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by one of the earliest voices in posthumanism as a discourse, this book is not only a (very) good read, it is a 'must' for everyone who wants to learn more about a decidedly 'critical-theoretical' analysis of the posthuman condition that clearly distinguishes itself from more techno-determined and facile readings of humanity's past, present and possible future. The volume is characterised by a European framework, drawing on Derrida, Lyotard and others as proto-posthumanists. It demonstrates that critical posthumanists do not simply 'post' humanity or humanism but care about the human and its others, and - not least - the humanities.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was much in this book I did not understand...but a lot that (with a bit of hard work) I did, and that stuff was great! Just finished reading it and I've clearly lost the ability to write a coherent sentence. Oh, my brain...

[Ife · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5