The MAIN DIFFERENCE between Posthumanism and Transhumanism - Dr. Ferrando (NYU), Concept n. 2

Summary

In this video, Professor Francesca Ferrando from NYU's Liberal Studies program explores the philosophical differences between posthumanism and transhumanism. Transhumanism, with its platform 'Humanity+', focuses on human enhancement and maintains anthropocentrism. Conversely, posthumanism seeks to deconstruct traditional human concepts through post-anthropocentrism, post-dualism, and an interconnected ontology. Both movements recognize the human as an evolving concept, but diverge in their approach to human evolution and technological integration.

Takeaways

• 📚 Francesca Ferrando is a professor at NYU and a philosopher of the posthuman.
• 🧠 The video discusses the differences between posthumanism and transhumanism, focusing on their main goals.
• 💪 Transhumanism's primary goal is human enhancement, reflected in its online platform called 'Humanity+'.
• 🌐 Anthropocentrism is not criticized in transhumanism; it maintains the centrality of humans.
• 🚀 Transhumanism is sometimes referred to as 'ultra humanism', emphasizing the focus on human enhancement.
• 🔍 Posthumanism, in contrast, aims to deconstruct the concept of the human, challenging traditional views.
• 🌳 Posthumanism involves three main approaches: post-anthropocentrism, post-dualism, and a reconceptualization of ontology.
• 🌐 Post-anthropocentrism views humans as not the most important species, challenging the idea of ontological privilege.
• 🧬 Post-dualism rejects the idea of humans as a singular entity, recognizing the complexity and diversity of human existence.
• 🔗 Posthumanism sees ontology in interconnected ways, moving away from dualistic perspectives.
• 🤝 Both movements recognize the human as an 'open notion', influenced by evolution, technology, and ecology.

Q & A

Who is Francesca Ferrando?

Francesca Ferrando is a professor at NYU's Program of Liberal Studies and a philosopher of the posthuman.

What is the main goal of transhumanism according to the video script?

The main goal of transhumanism is human enhancement, as indicated by the platform 'Humanity+'.

How does Francesca Ferrando describe anthropocentrism in the context of transhumanism?

In the context of transhumanism, anthropocentrism is not criticized and is left intact, focusing on the enhancement of human capabilities.

What is the primary objective of posthumanism as explained in the video script?

The primary objective of posthumanism is the deconstruction of the human, challenging traditional human-centric perspectives.

How does posthumanism approach the concept of 'human' in three ways?

Posthumanism approaches the concept of 'human' by: 1) Post/humanism, 2) Post-anthropocentrism, and 3) Post-dualism, emphasizing interconnected existence and rejecting ontological privilege.

What does the term 'post/anthropocentrism' imply in the context of posthumanism?

Post/anthropocentrism implies a shift away from viewing humans as the most important species, challenging the idea that humans should have ontological privilege.

How does posthumanism view the concept of 'dualism'?

Posthumanism rejects dualism, advocating for an interconnected view of existence rather than a separation between mind and body or human and nature.

What is the relationship between transhumanism and posthumanism in terms of their view on the human?

Both transhumanism and posthumanism view the human as an open concept, not a closed one, acknowledging the influence of evolution, technology, and ecology on human identity.

How does Francesca Ferrando describe the difference between transhumanism and posthumanism?

Transhumanism focuses on human enhancement and is anthropocentric, while posthumanism aims to deconstruct the human and is post-anthropocentric, post-dualistic, and post-anthropocentric.

What is the significance of the term 'Humanity+' in the context of transhumanism?

The term 'Humanity+' is the main online platform for transhumanism, symbolizing the movement's focus on enhancing human capabilities.

Where can more information on this topic be found according to Francesca Ferrando?

More information on this topic can be found on Francesca Ferrando's website, the possum and the tour.