The Philosophical Roots of Posthumanism and Transhumanism - Dr. Ferrando (NYU), concept 3

Summary

In this video, Professor Francesca Ferrando explores the philosophical roots shared by transhumanism and posthumanism, highlighting their distinct approaches. Transhumanism emphasizes human progress through science, technology, and reason, often linked with the idea of human enhancement. In contrast, posthumanism, influenced by postmodernism, critiques traditional notions of progress and challenges the idea of a fixed human nature. Ferrando discusses these movements’ philosophical origins, with posthumanism questioning the grand narratives of progress and focusing on the deconstruction of human identity, especially in the context of historical events like Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the philosophical roots of humanism and transhumanism, tracing their historical and conceptual developments.
• 😀 Humanism and transhumanism share common philosophical foundations, both emphasizing the improvement of human nature.
• 😀 Transhumanism focuses on the enhancement of humans through science and technology, highlighting progress and reason as key values.
• 😀 The philosophical movement of posthumanism is contrasted with transhumanism, as it critiques the idea of progress and embraces postmodernist thought.
• 😀 Posthumanism challenges traditional humanist views, often questioning the role of progress and the value of reason in shaping human existence.
• 😀 Postmodernism, particularly in the 1970s, critiqued the concept of progress and the historical idea of a 'better future,' especially following events like World War II and the atomic bombings.
• 😀 The idea of human progress, including concepts like rationality and reason, is critically examined in both postmodernism and posthumanism.
• 😀 The critique of 'progress' in postmodernism is connected to a broader skepticism about the efficacy and morality of technological advancement.
• 😀 Posthumanism draws on philosophical traditions that challenge the notion of a single, ideal human or an objective truth about humanity.
• 😀 The video suggests that posthumanism and transhumanism present differing philosophical attitudes towards the future of humanity, with one advocating for enhancement and the other focusing on critique and deconstruction of human norms.

Q & A

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

The lecture focuses on the philosophical roots and distinctions between humanism, transhumanism, and posthumanism.

How are humanism and transhumanism related?

Humanism and transhumanism share philosophical roots in the belief in human potential, but transhumanism emphasizes technological enhancement and progress through science and reason.

What is the central idea of transhumanism?

Transhumanism advocates for the enhancement of human capabilities through technology, focusing on progress, reason, science, and technology to improve the human condition.

How does posthumanism differ from humanism and transhumanism?

Posthumanism critiques traditional ideas of humanism and modernity, challenging concepts of progress and human-centered ideologies, unlike humanism and transhumanism, which focus on human potential and enhancement.

What role does postmodernism play in posthumanism?

Posthumanism is heavily influenced by postmodernism, which critiques the notion of linear progress and human dominance, and challenges the idea that reason and technological advancement are inherently beneficial.

How does posthumanism critique the notion of progress?

Posthumanism critiques the historical idea that technological progress leads to a better future, often highlighting the destructive consequences of modernity, such as the use of atomic bombs in World War II.

What is the main critique of reason in posthumanism?

Posthumanism questions the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, arguing that it often leads to a limited and destructive understanding of humanity, rather than embracing a more complex, diverse, and critical view of human existence.

What does the term 'posthuman' mean in the context of the lecture?

The term 'posthuman' refers to a philosophical tradition that challenges the traditional human-centric view, proposing that the concept of 'human' itself is constructed and should be reconsidered in light of modern critiques.

How are posthumanism and the historical events of World War II connected?

Posthumanism critiques the idea of progress by reflecting on the horrors of World War II, such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, questioning whether technological advancements have truly led to human betterment.

What philosophical traditions influence posthumanism?

Posthumanism is influenced by postmodernism, which challenges traditional narratives of progress and humanism, and questions the overarching narratives of reason and technology that have dominated modern thought.