1. What does "POSTHUMAN" mean? Dr. Ferrando (NYU) - Course "The Posthuman" Lesson n. 1

Summary

In this video, Francesca Ferrando, a posthuman philosopher, explores the concept of the posthuman, examining various schools of thought surrounding it. She introduces movements like posthumanism and transhumanism, highlighting that these are not monolithic but comprise different subfields. Ferrando discusses the redefinition of humanity in the 21st century, considering perspectives from evolution, technology (such as cyborgs), and ecology. She emphasizes that the human notion is no longer fixed but open to change, influenced by our relationship with the biosphere, technology, and adaptation. This exploration invites deeper philosophical reflection on what it means to be human today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Posthumanism is a philosophical movement that questions the nature of humanity in the modern world.
• 😀 The term 'posthuman' is an umbrella concept encompassing multiple schools of thought, such as posthumanism and transhumanism.
• 😀 Transhumanism includes various sub-movements like democratic, libertarian, and singularity-focused transhumanism, each with its own view on the future of humanity.
• 😀 Posthumanism is also divided into different strands, such as critical, cultural, and philosophical posthumanism.
• 😀 Anti-humanism, new materialism, and meta-humanism are additional philosophical movements that contribute to the posthuman discourse.
• 😀 These movements share the belief that the traditional concept of 'human' is outdated and no longer reflects who we are in the 21st century.
• 😀 Posthumanism proposes that the idea of the human is an 'open notion,' meaning it is evolving and adaptable, influenced by technology, biology, and ecology.
• 😀 The example of cyborgs, such as individuals with pacemakers, illustrates the blending of biology and technology as part of the posthuman condition.
• 😀 The Anthropocene era reflects the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment, showing how human actions are affecting the planet and how we, in turn, are shaped by it.
• 😀 Philosophers like Darwin have influenced the idea that humanity's evolution is closely tied to the planet, with adaptation being a key concept in understanding our existence.
• 😀 The video introduces these topics as part of a larger mini-series, with future lectures diving deeper into specific movements like transhumanism and posthumanism.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Francesca Ferrando's lecture?

Francesca Ferrando's lecture focuses on the concept of the posthuman, exploring its meaning from a philosophical perspective and addressing various schools of thought that define the posthuman in different ways.

How does Ferrando describe the term 'posthuman'?

Ferrando describes 'posthuman' as an umbrella term that is defined in many different ways by various philosophical movements. The term challenges traditional notions of what it means to be human in the 21st century.

What are some of the key philosophical movements associated with the posthuman?

The key philosophical movements associated with the posthuman include posthumanism, transhumanism, anti-humanism, new materialism, and meta-humanism.

How does Ferrando differentiate between posthumanism and transhumanism?

Ferrando explains that both posthumanism and transhumanism are broad movements made up of different schools of thought. Posthumanism includes critical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives, while transhumanism includes democratic, libertarian, and singularity-focused schools of thought.

What does Ferrando mean by 'the human is an open notion'?

Ferrando argues that the concept of the human is an 'open notion,' meaning it is constantly evolving and does not have fixed boundaries. This openness is reflected in the way humanity interacts with evolution, technology, and the environment.

How does the concept of evolution relate to the idea of the posthuman?

Ferrando connects the concept of evolution to the posthuman by illustrating how human beings are constantly adapting, and our understanding of 'human' evolves over time. She draws on Darwin’s theory of evolution to show that humans are not static but shaped by ongoing adaptation.

What role does technology play in the posthuman concept?

Technology plays a central role in the posthuman concept, particularly through the example of cyborgs. Ferrando highlights that humans increasingly rely on technology, such as pacemakers, to survive, blending biological and technological elements.

What does the term 'cyborg' refer to in the context of the posthuman?

In the context of the posthuman, a 'cyborg' refers to a being that is a combination of biological and technological components. For example, a person with a pacemaker can be considered a cyborg because they rely on technology to maintain life.

What is the significance of the Anthropocene in understanding the posthuman?

The Anthropocene, the current era in which human activities significantly impact the planet, highlights the interconnectedness of humans and the environment. Ferrando uses this concept to emphasize how human beings are both shaping and being shaped by ecological changes.

How does Ferrando view the relationship between humans and ecology in the context of the posthuman?

Ferrando views the relationship between humans and ecology as deeply interconnected. She explains that humans are not separate from the biosphere; rather, human actions impact the environment, and the environment, in turn, affects human adaptation and existence.