Index
Transhumanism / Post-Humanism
Who gets to be human?
Transhumanism is typically associated with a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates the enhancement of the human condition by developing and making widely available new and future technologies that can greatly enhance longevity, cognition, and well-being.
My perspective on transhumanist philosophy is, alternatively, is perhaps less about technological “enhancement” and more an invitation to reflect on the exponential variety of human expression and the ways in which dominant social forces like white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity and colonization has resulted in the deep cultural "flattening" of global civilization. Transhumanism is about acknowledging that what it means to be human and who we are as human beings has always been in transition, constant change. It also recognizes that we have always developed new ways to transform ourselves, our environments and our interior worlds.
In this context, contemporary, progressive movements that advocate for the advancement, normalization, visibility, safety, and preservation of so-called "marginalized" identities, rather than being understood as unique to our time, should be understood as the continuation and preservation of the diversity which is fundamental to the thriving of human culture. These expressions are the vestiges of genuine humanity attempting to break free.
Posthumanism acknowledges that the concept of ‘the human’ is in fact intertwined with colonialism, sexism, and white supremacy. While an appeal to our shared humanity may be beautiful in essence, a brief look at history shows a different story. The idea of ‘the human’ has historically been used to oppress whoever (and whatever) was considered ‘nonhuman.’ The philosopher Rosi Braidotti makes the point that our understanding of ‘the human’ is based on the concept of Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, 1490. She argues that women, enslaved peoples, indegenous populations, and non-human animals were historically excluded from the category of what she calls “fully human.” Consequently, they were barred from enjoying equal rights with the white male. Humanism is therefore far from innocent: It comes with the baggage of Western supremacy, patriarchy, and oppression.
By embracing posthumanist philosophy, we might paradoxically be able to reclaim an inherent humanity. A humanity that is reoriented within its natural relations of nonhuman & technological ancestry.