Posthumanism in Literature & Literary Theory

Posthumanism: Etymology

The term “posthumanism” is formed by combining “post-“ and “humanism.” The prefix “post-” indicates a subsequent or transitional phase beyond the parameters of the term it modifies. In this context, “humanism” refers to a philosophical and cultural movement that places a significant emphasis on human values, capabilities, and achievements.

 Therefore, “posthumanism” denotes a conceptual framework that moves beyond or transcends traditional humanistic perspectives, reflecting a critical reevaluation of the centrality of human experience and identity in light of technological advancements, cultural shifts, and evolving understandings of existence.

Posthumanism: Concept

Aspect	Explanation
Reevaluation of Human-Centric Paradigms	Posthumanism challenges traditional humanistic views, questioning humans’ centrality in the universe.
Integration of Technology and Humanity	Explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, acknowledging increased integration in daily life.
Biotechnological Interventions	Examines ethical implications of biotechnological advances, blurring boundaries between human and technological realms.
Evolving Notions of Identity and Agency	Investigates how tech and culture reshape conventional ideas of human identity, agency, and consciousness.
Non-Human Perspectives	Expands inquiry beyond humans to explore the value and perspectives of non-human entities, including AI and animals.
Deconstruction of Anthropocentrism	Questions hierarchical views, deconstructing the idea of humans as central, recognizing interconnectedness with all forms of life.
Multiplicity of Existence	Embraces the diversity of life forms, challenging a singular definition of humanity and acknowledging varied forms of existence.
Ethical Considerations	Engages with ethical concerns in developing technologies, emphasizing the need for responsible considerations and consequences.
Posthuman Futures	Explores speculative scenarios where traditional human boundaries are surpassed, envisioning novel forms of existence and consciousness.
Interdisciplinary Exploration	Utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from philosophy, science, literature, and art to comprehensively examine posthuman implications.

Posthumanism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Works	Arguments
Donna Haraway	A Cyborg Manifesto	Haraway argues for the dissolution of boundaries between human and machine, envisioning a posthuman world where technology and biology coalesce. She introduces the concept of the cyborg as a hybrid, challenging traditional notions of identity and gender.
Bruno Latour	We Have Never Been Modern	Latour critiques the modern distinction between nature and society, proposing a shift towards a posthuman perspective that recognizes the entanglement of human and non-human entities. He advocates for a more inclusive understanding of agency, challenging anthropocentrism.
Rosi Braidotti	The Posthuman	Braidotti explores the implications of posthumanism, emphasizing the importance of embracing multiplicity and interconnectedness. She argues for a post-anthropocentric ethics and politics that consider the diverse forms of life beyond human-centric perspectives.
N. Katherine Hayles	How We Became Posthuman	Hayles traces the historical development of posthumanism, examining the impact of digital technologies on human identity. She argues for a posthuman subjectivity that embraces the interplay between the biological and the technological, challenging traditional distinctions.
Karen Barad	Meeting the Universe Halfway	Barad introduces the concept of agential realism, arguing for a posthuman understanding of the material world. She emphasizes the entanglement of human and non-human agencies, challenging dualistic views and proposing a relational ontology that transcends anthropocentrism.
Michel Foucault	The Archaeology of Knowledge	While not explicitly a posthumanist, Foucault’s archaeological approach has influenced posthumanist thought. His analysis of power structures and discourses laid the groundwork for examining how language and knowledge shape our understanding of the human and non-human, contributing to posthumanist critiques of anthropocentrism.
Manuel De Landa	A Thousand Years of Nonlinear History	De Landa explores a non-anthropocentric view of history, tracing the evolution of human societies alongside non-human entities. He argues for a materialist understanding of history that considers the agency of both human and non-human actors, challenging traditional human-centric historical narratives.
Stefan Herbrechter	Posthumanism: A Critical Analysis	Herbrechter provides a critical analysis of posthumanism, addressing key debates and challenges within the field. He explores the implications of posthumanist thought on ethics, identity, and the future of humanity, offering insights into the complexities and contradictions inherent in posthumanist discourse.
Rosi Braidotti	The Posthuman (Polity Key Concepts in the Social Sciences series)	Braidotti’s comprehensive work on posthumanism delves into its philosophical underpinnings, examining key concepts and debates. She argues for a posthuman subjectivity that embraces the complexities of contemporary existence, calling for a radical rethinking of human identity and ethics in the face of technological and societal transformations.
Ray Kurzweil	The Singularity is Near	Kurzweil explores the concept of technological singularity, anticipating a future where technological progress accelerates exponentially. While not a traditional posthumanist, his work contributes to the discourse on the transformative impact of technology on human evolution, prompting discussions about the merging of humans and machines.

Posthumanism: Definition as a Theoretical Term

Posthumanism is a theoretical framework that challenges traditional human-centric perspectives by questioning the boundaries and limitations of the human condition. It posits a shift beyond anthropocentrism, exploring the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and other non-human elements into the understanding of identity, cognition, and ethics. Rooted in critical analysis, posthumanism seeks to redefine human existence in an era characterized by technological advancements and complex interactions between humans and the digital, biotechnological, and ecological realms.

Posthumanism: Features

1. Deconstruction of Boundaries:
   • Posthumanism challenges traditional distinctions between the human and the non-human, breaking down conceptual boundaries that have historically separated humans from animals, machines, and other entities.
2. Technological Integration:
   • Posthumanism explores the deep integration of technology into human existence, considering the impact of advancements such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and human-computer interfaces on the evolving nature of humanity.
3. Multiplicities of Identity:
   • Rejecting a singular and fixed understanding of identity, posthumanism embraces the idea of multiple and fluid identities. It acknowledges the complex interplay of factors shaping individual and collective identities beyond traditional categories.
4. Critique of Anthropocentrism:
   • Posthumanism critiques anthropocentrism, the belief in human superiority, arguing for a more inclusive perspective that recognizes the agency and value of non-human entities and ecosystems.
5. Embrace of Hybridity:
   • Posthumanism celebrates hybridity, acknowledging and appreciating the blending of the biological and the technological. Concepts like cyborgs exemplify this embrace of hybrid forms of existence.
6. Agency and Entanglement:
   • The theory emphasizes the entanglement of human and non-human agencies, highlighting the interconnectedness of all entities and challenging the notion of a hierarchical order where humans hold privileged positions.
7. Post-anthropocentric Ethics:
   • Posthumanism calls for an ethics that goes beyond anthropocentrism, considering the well-being and moral consideration of non-human entities. It advocates for ethical frameworks that address the impacts of human actions on a broader ecological scale.
8. Speculative Futures:
   • Posthumanism engages in speculative thinking about the future of humanity, envisioning scenarios where technological advancements, societal shifts, and ecological considerations lead to novel forms of existence and consciousness.
9. Interdisciplinary Approach:
   • Posthumanism is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, drawing insights from philosophy, science, literature, art, and other fields to comprehensively examine the implications of a world where the human is no longer the sole focus.
10. Reevaluation of Consciousness:
    • The theory prompts a reevaluation of consciousness, exploring how human and non-human entities experience and express forms of awareness. This includes considerations of artificial intelligence, animal consciousness, and the potential expansion of consciousness beyond traditional human boundaries.

Posthumanism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance to Posthumanism
Structuralism	Posthumanism challenges structuralist notions by deconstructing fixed categories and questioning binary distinctions. The fluidity of identities and integration of technology in posthuman narratives disrupt structuralist frameworks, enabling a more dynamic interpretation of literary texts.
Postcolonialism	Postcolonial literature often explores the impact of colonialism on human and non-human entities. Posthumanism complements postcolonial perspectives by emphasizing interconnectedness and critiquing anthropocentrism. This intersection enriches analyses of power dynamics and identity within postcolonial narratives.
Feminism	Posthumanism aligns with feminist theories by challenging traditional gender roles and promoting multiple identities. It encourages exploration of female characters with hybrid or non-human elements, offering a platform to critique patriarchal norms. The focus on technology and embodiment in posthumanism intersects with feminist concerns about the body and agency.
Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism	Posthumanism engages with psychoanalytic theories by reevaluating the human psyche in the context of technological and biological interventions. It questions Freudian and Lacanian frameworks, opening avenues for examining how characters navigate the complexities of identity, desire, and consciousness in posthuman narratives.
Marxist Literary Criticism	Posthumanism intersects with Marxist criticism by challenging capitalist structures exploiting human and non-human entities. It prompts exploration of how economic systems impact technology in literature, offering a critical lens on the socio-economic implications of posthuman narratives.
Reader-Response Criticism	Posthuman literature invites readers to reassess their roles and perspectives in narratives beyond human experiences. Reader-response theories explore how readers engage with characters challenging traditional boundaries, encouraging reflection on evolving relationships between readers and texts in a posthuman context.
Ecocriticism	Posthumanism contributes significantly to ecocritical perspectives by emphasizing interconnected ecologies and non-human agency. It enriches analyses of literature exploring environmental themes, encouraging consideration of how technological advancements shape narratives about the natural world.
Queer Theory	Posthumanism aligns with queer theory by challenging normative understandings of identity and sexuality. It allows exploration of characters with non-binary or fluid identities, contributing to the representation of diverse sexualities and gender expressions in literature.
Narrative Theory	Posthumanism reshapes narrative structures by introducing non-linear and hybrid storytelling. It prompts reevaluation of how narratives unfold, incorporating elements of technology, non-human agency, and fragmented identities into analyses of narrative forms.
Cultural Studies	Posthumanism engages with cultural studies by exploring the cultural implications of technological integration and redefinition of identities. It contributes to discussions about the impact of digital cultures, virtual realities, and biotechnological advancements on the representation of culture in literature.

Posthumanism: Application in Critiques

1. Neuromancer by William Gibson:
   • Application: In “Neuromancer,” Gibson presents a cyberpunk vision of a posthuman world where individuals merge with technology. The protagonist, Case, undergoes neural enhancements, blurring the lines between human and machine. The novel critiques traditional notions of identity, consciousness, and agency as characters navigate a world where the virtual and the real converge. Posthumanism is evident in the exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, challenging the boundaries of what it means to be human.
2. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood:
   • Application: Atwood’s novel explores a posthuman landscape where genetic engineering and biotechnology have transformed both the environment and humanity. The protagonist, Snowman, reflects on a world shaped by corporate-controlled science. Posthumanism is evident in the creation of genetically modified beings, challenging natural order and raising ethical questions about the consequences of unchecked technological advancements. The novel critiques anthropocentrism by examining the impact of human actions on the entire ecosystem.
3. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi:
   • Application: Bacigalupi’s novel is set in a biopunk future where biotechnology plays a central role in creating genetically engineered organisms. The Windup Girl, a genetically modified human, challenges traditional views of humanity. Posthumanism is evident in the exploration of hybrid identities, environmental manipulation, and the consequences of corporate-driven biotechnology. The novel critiques the exploitation of both human and non-human entities in a world where bioengineering blurs the boundaries between natural and artificial.
4. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell:
   • Application: “Cloud Atlas” weaves together multiple narratives across different time periods, exploring the interconnectedness of lives and the impact of technology on human experiences. Posthumanism is evident in the novel’s exploration of reincarnation, the evolution of societies, and the enduring influence of individuals across time. The narrative challenges linear notions of time and identity, embracing a posthuman perspective that transcends traditional boundaries. The novel critiques a linear understanding of history and human existence.

In these critiques, the novels are analyzed through the key themes of posthumanism, including technological integration, multiplicity of identities, critique of anthropocentrism, and speculative futures. Each novel challenges traditional views of humanity, offering a posthuman perspective that prompts readers to reconsider the boundaries of identity, consciousness, and agency.

Posthumanism: Relevant Terms

Term	Explanation
Cyborg	Blend of biological and artificial components, challenging traditional definitions of organism.
Transhumanism	Advocacy for enhancing human capabilities through technology, often involving genetic engineering and cybernetics.
Singularity	Hypothetical point of uncontrollable technological growth, leading to profound societal changes.
Biopunk	Sci-fi genre exploring dystopian futures with misused or exploited biotechnology.
Postbiological	Beyond traditional biology, emphasizing the role of technology in defining life forms.
Simulacra	Representations or imitations challenging distinctions between reality and simulation.
Emergent Intelligence	Intelligence arising from complex interactions, challenging human-centric views.
Augmented Reality (AR)	Overlays digital information onto the physical world, altering human perception.
Post-anthropocentrism	Rejection of human-centric views, considering non-human entities in ethical and cultural contexts.
Neuroethics	Ethical exploration of neuroscience and neurotechnology advancements, crucial in discussions about cognitive enhancement.

Posthumanism: Suggested Readings

1. Haraway, Donna J. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women: The Reinvention of Nature. Routledge, 1991.
2. Hayles, N. Katherine. How We Became Posthuman: Virtual Bodies in Cybernetics, Literature, and Informatics. University of Chicago Press, 1999.
3. Braidotti, Rosi. The Posthuman. Polity Press, 2013.
4. Wolfe, Cary. What Is Posthumanism? University of Minnesota Press, 2010.
5. Ferrando, Francesca. Philosophical Posthumanism. Bloomsbury Academic, 2019.
6. Sorgner, Stefan Lorenz. On Transhumanism. Penn State University Press, 2020.
7. Harari, Yuval Noah. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Harper, 2015.
8. Clark, Andy. Natural-Born Cyborgs: Minds, Technologies, and the Future of Human Intelligence. Oxford University Press, 2003.
9. Bostrom, Nick. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press, 2014.
10. Goodman, Steve. Sonic Warfare: Sound, Affect, and the Ecology of Fear. MIT Press, 2009.