| CODE | PHI5022 | ||||||
| TITLE | The Politics of Posthumanism | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Philosophy | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | In this study-unit, we shall explore the various dimensions of "posthumanism," a philosophical movement that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be human through an exploration of the implications of science, technology, as well as other cultural changes on the human condition. Posthumanism raises important questions concerning the nature power, inequality, and justice. Furthermore, various thinkers and ideas related to posthumanism question our fundamental assumptions about liberal democracy, dualisms - such as the nature/culture and human/non-human distinction - as well as the limits and possibilities of human agency. Such critiques make posthumanism both inherently political and a crucial topic for political inquiry. The main questions we shall explore throughout this study-unit include: What does it mean to be human today? How can notions such as identity, embodiment, and agency be rethought in a context where technology is increasingly infiltrating and being integrated into our daily lives? How do posthumanism and related notions such as those of transhumanism, the cyborg, and the animal challenge dominant power structures? What are the ethico-political implications of human enhancement and technological mediation? Through the examination of texts pertaining to some of the most prominent thinkers in this field, we shall be able to tease out and explore the varied political implications of our posthuman life. Study-Unit Aims: The aims of the study-unit are to: - enable students to identify the fundamental concepts and ideas of posthumanism (including the critique of humanism, liberalism, traditional notions of identity and agency, and technological enhancement). - provide students with a critical understanding of the political implications of posthumanism. - equip students with the requisite analytical tools to critically examine texts related to posthumanism. - encourage students to reflect on their own assumptions and to engage in critical self-reflection on the varied political implications of posthumanism. - foster a multidisciplinary approach to the study of posthumanism, so as to encourage students to discuss and apply these insights to real-world political issues. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - identify and analyse the key philosophical and political concepts and debates within the field of posthumanism; - assess the main ideas shaping contemporary debates surrounding the notion of the "human" and "posthuman"; - problematise and critically examine dichotomies such as those of nature/culture, human/animal, and natural/artifact; - examine the main arguments of particular thinkers in order to form a nuanced philosophical position related to their ideas; - apply philosophical theory to political practice. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - critically evaluate the merits and deficiencies of different posthumanist views and their political implications; - rigorously engage in discussions pertaining to the nature and status of the animal. - learn to identify relevant academic sources in order to assess their reliability and usefulness for the purpose of their research theme; - communicate their position in a clear, cogent, and persuasive manner, both in oral and written form; - reflect on their own beliefs related to meaning of being human, and the political implications of such a belief. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Braidotti, Rosi (2013) The Posthuman. Oxford: Polity. Ferrando, Francesca (2020) Philosophical Posthumanism. London: Bloomsbury. - Wolfe, Carey (2010) What is Posthumanism? Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. - A vast selection of readings shall be uploaded on the University's Virtual Learning Environment. Supplementary Readings: - Braidotti, Rosi and Hlavjova, Maria (eds) (2018) Posthuman Glossary. London: Bloomsbury. - Kasper Lippert-Rasmussen, Kasper, Rosendahl Thomsen, Mads, and Wamberg, Jacob (Eds) (2011) The Posthuman Condition: Ethics,Aesthetics & Politics of Biotechnological Challenges. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press. - Roden, David (2015) Post-human Life: Philosophy at the Edge of the Human. London: Routledge. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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