Posthumanism Explained - Nietzsche, Deleuze, Stiegler, Haraway

Summary

This video explores the concept of posthumanism, challenging traditional humanist views that place humans at the center of the universe. It critiques human exceptionalism, emphasizing how technology, tools, and media shape human identity and existence. Philosophers like Nietzsche, Deleuze, and Stiegler are discussed for their contributions to posthumanist thought, particularly the idea that humans are not exceptional but rather shaped by their historical, technological, and cultural contexts. The video argues that our consciousness, creativity, and freedom are deeply intertwined with non-human forces, suggesting that humanity is an ongoing process of co-evolution with the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Posthumanism challenges the idea of human exceptionalism, suggesting that humans are not inherently special but are shaped by their relationship with the nonhuman world.
• 😀 Nietzsche is considered the first posthumanist, as his philosophy critiques humanism by declaring the 'death of God' and the 'death of the human' in terms of traditional exceptionalism.
• 😀 Humanism places emphasis on free will, responsibility, and transcendence, whereas posthumanism argues that these qualities are social constructs rather than inherent aspects of humanity.
• 😀 Posthumanism is not simply about a future beyond humanism but an undercurrent within humanism that questions human superiority over nature, animals, and machines.
• 😀 Deleuze’s concept of the 'body without organs' emphasizes the fluid, non-essential nature of human identity, focusing on ongoing processes rather than fixed qualities.
• 😀 Technological posthumanism highlights that humans' evolution and self-conception are deeply intertwined with tools and technologies that extend our memory, cognition, and creativity.
• 😀 Bernard Stiegler argues that humans are not exceptional due to an inherent divine or essential quality, but because we incorporate tools into our lives, which shape our development and evolution.
• 😀 The idea of humans as 'cyborgs' is presented, with Donna Haraway suggesting that humans have always been intertwined with machines and tools, blurring the lines between the human and nonhuman.
• 😀 The development of writing and art as tools for memory and thought allows humans to transcend their biological limitations, shaping history and societal evolution.
• 😀 Posthumanism offers an emancipatory potential by rejecting the idea of a predetermined purpose or divine will, instead emphasizing the agency of humans as shaped by historical and technological forces.

Q & A

What is posthumanism, and how does it relate to humanism?

Posthumanism is a philosophical movement that critiques the concept of human exceptionalism, challenging the traditional humanist view that humans are separate from or above nature and other life forms. Unlike humanism, which emphasizes human autonomy and superiority, posthumanism suggests that humans are deeply interconnected with nonhuman entities, such as animals, machines, and technologies, and that our identities are shaped by these external forces.

How does Nietzsche contribute to the development of posthumanism?

Nietzsche is considered the first posthumanist because his philosophy rejects the humanist view of human beings as exceptional and autonomous. His famous proclamation of the 'death of God' is interpreted as the death of human exceptionalism. Nietzsche believed that humans are not endowed with special divine qualities or moral responsibilities, but instead are vital, creative forces shaped by external values and societal rules.

What is Nietzsche’s concept of the 'Übermensch' and how does it relate to posthumanism?

The 'Übermensch' (or 'overman') is Nietzsche's vision of a person who transcends traditional human values and societal norms, rising above mediocrity and herd mentality. The Übermensch represents a posthuman figure who creates their own values and is not bound by the imposed rules of society. This concept aligns with posthumanism by rejecting the idea of an intrinsic human essence, emphasizing a dynamic process of becoming rather than a static human identity.

How does Deleuze’s concept of 'plane of imminence' challenge humanism?

Deleuze’s 'plane of imminence' opposes the humanist idea of transcendence, which places humans above nature and other forces. In Deleuze’s view, humans are one of many creative forces in the world, but not exceptional. He uses concepts like 'desiring machines' and 'larval cells' to suggest that human potential is constantly shaped by external forces, blurring the boundaries between humans, animals, and machines.

What role does technology play in posthumanism according to Bernard Stiegler?

Stiegler argues that technology, particularly tools used for memory and thought, is central to the posthuman condition. He claims that humans are not exceptional due to inherent qualities but because we incorporate external media, like writing and art, into our cognitive processes. These tools shape our identities and evolutionary history, and humans are essentially co-evolving with technology.

What does Donna Haraway mean when she says that humans are 'always already cyborgs'?

Haraway's claim that humans are 'always already cyborgs' means that humans have never been separate from nonhuman entities, particularly tools and machines. This perspective challenges the humanist view of the human as an isolated, autonomous being and instead emphasizes the deep interdependence between humans and their technological and environmental surroundings. Humans are constantly shaped and augmented by nonhuman forces.

What is the significance of tools in the context of posthumanism?

In posthumanism, tools are seen as essential for externalizing memory, thought, and agency. Bernard Stiegler emphasizes that humans do not have intrinsic exceptional qualities but use tools to shape their identities. These tools—whether they are physical, like writing instruments, or digital—extend our cognitive capacities and play a key role in how we evolve and understand ourselves.

How does posthumanism challenge the traditional humanist notion of free will and responsibility?

Posthumanism challenges the traditional humanist view of free will and responsibility by rejecting the idea that humans are autonomous agents acting freely. It suggests that our actions and choices are not entirely independent but are instead shaped by external forces such as societal norms, technological advancements, and historical contexts. Nietzsche's critique of responsibility shows that human beings are not inherently endowed with moral or existential freedom, but are instead products of complex forces.

How does the idea of 'technological posthumanism' differ from other forms of posthumanism?

Technological posthumanism focuses specifically on how technology, tools, and media shape human identity and consciousness. Unlike other forms of posthumanism, which may emphasize biological or philosophical aspects, technological posthumanism explores how our relationship with technology—such as writing, AI, and digital media—has redefined our sense of self and our evolutionary path.

What is the relationship between humans and nonhuman processes in posthumanism?

Posthumanism rejects the idea of a sharp division between humans and nonhuman processes. It emphasizes that humans are not separate from or above nonhuman forces, such as machines, animals, or natural systems. Rather, humans are part of a larger network of life and technology, and our identity and actions are shaped by these interconnected processes. This view challenges the humanist notion of human superiority and autonomy.