3. What is POSTHUMANISM? Dr. Ferrando (NYU) - Course "The Posthuman" Lesson n. 3

Summary

In this video, Francesca Ferrando introduces posthumanism, explaining it as a diverse philosophical approach that deconstructs the concept of 'the human.' She explores posthumanism as both a cultural and historical critique, highlighting the fluidity of human identity and its connection to technology, ecology, and evolution. Ferrando contrasts this with anthropocentrism, emphasizing how the human has often been defined in opposition to non-human entities. The video outlines the philosophical movements within posthumanism, including critical, cultural, and philosophical posthumanism, and sets the stage for deeper explorations in future videos on related topics like post-anthropocentrism and post-dualism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Posthumanism is an umbrella term that encompasses various philosophical movements, each offering a different interpretation of what it means to be posthuman.
• 😀 Posthumanism is not a future state; it is an existential approach that can be experienced in the present. We don't need to wait for the future to become posthuman.
• 😀 The human concept in posthumanism is fluid and open, challenging fixed and essentialist definitions of humanity.
• 😀 Posthumanism encourages reflection on the location of humanity within the larger network of existence, considering our relationship with non-human entities and the environment.
• 😀 Posthumanism deconstructs the notion of 'the human,' acknowledging its historical and cultural shaping, including how some humans have been excluded or defined as 'less than human.'
• 😀 The movement critiques anthropocentrism, which places humans at the top of the hierarchical structure of life, often in contrast to non-human animals and nature.
• 😀 Posthumanism questions the traditional dualisms, such as mind-body or human-nonhuman, by advocating for a post-dualistic perspective that transcends these binaries.
• 😀 Critical posthumanism, cultural posthumanism, and philosophical posthumanism are subfields that each address the human condition from distinct perspectives.
• 😀 Post-anthropocentrism in posthumanism challenges the human-centered worldview by considering the place of non-human life and the environment in defining existence.
• 😀 Technology plays a key role in posthumanism, particularly in the form of ‘technologies of existence,’ which explore how technology reshapes human life and identity.
• 😀 Posthumanism invites us to rethink the history of humanity, from cultural definitions of human identity to the role of emerging technologies in reshaping what it means to be human.

Q & A

What is Posthumanism, according to Francesca Ferrando?

Posthumanism is an existential approach that encourages reflecting on one's place in the open network of existence. It challenges fixed definitions of what it means to be human, considering the human as an 'open frame' that is culturally and historically shaped.

How does Posthumanism differ from Transhumanism?

While Transhumanism looks forward to a future where humans become posthuman through technological advancements, Posthumanism asserts that we can already be posthuman now, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the human condition and our interconnectedness with other life forms.

What does Francesca Ferrando mean by 'the human as an open frame'?

Ferrando refers to the human as an open frame to highlight the fluid, undefined nature of the concept of humanity. This means that the human is not a fixed, essential entity but something shaped by cultural, historical, and biological forces.

What are the three key aspects that define Posthumanism?

The three key aspects of Posthumanism, as outlined by Ferrando, are: Post/Humanism (questioning the binary human/non-human divide), Post/Anthropocentrism (rejecting human supremacy over other life forms), and Post Dualism (challenging dualistic thinking, especially regarding humans and non-humans).

How does Posthumanism critique the concept of human supremacy?

Posthumanism critiques human supremacy by rejecting anthropocentrism, the idea that humans are inherently superior to non-human entities. This view is often supported by religious and cultural narratives that place humans at the top of the hierarchy of life.

Why does Francesca Ferrando emphasize the historical construction of the human?

Ferrando emphasizes that the notion of 'the human' has not always been universally defined. Throughout history, certain groups have been excluded from being considered fully human, such as in the contexts of slavery, sexism, ethnocentrism, and ableism. This deconstruction of the human concept is central to Posthumanism.

How does technology play a role in Posthumanism?

Technology in Posthumanism is viewed as a tool that challenges the boundaries of human existence. Ferrando refers to 'technologies of existence' that reshape how we understand the human condition, including artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and other technologies that blur the lines between human and non-human.

What is the significance of the term 'Post / Humanism'?

Post / Humanism questions the traditional binary between humans and non-humans, suggesting a more fluid, interconnected perspective of existence where the human is not the central or superior entity.

What does 'Post/Anthropocentrism' mean in Posthumanism?

Post/Anthropocentrism refers to the rejection of anthropocentrism, or the belief that humans are at the top of the hierarchy of life. Posthumanism calls for recognizing and addressing the equal significance of non-human entities in the world.

How does Posthumanism challenge dualistic thinking?

Posthumanism challenges dualistic thinking by rejecting the strict separation between humans and non-humans. It proposes a more integrated approach, especially with respect to how technology and human existence intersect, suggesting that the distinction between human and non-human is not as clear-cut as traditionally thought.