The Posthuman

1. Humanism's Legacy: A Complex Tapestry of Progress and Exclusion

All Humanisms, until now, have been imperial.

The duality of Humanism. Humanism, with its emphasis on reason, progress, and human perfectibility, has been a driving force behind Western civilization's advancements. However, it has also historically served as a tool for exclusion, marginalization, and even violence against those deemed "other."

Eurocentrism and the "Other." The Humanistic ideal, often equated with European identity, has historically defined itself in opposition to the "other" – those who are sexualized, racialized, or naturalized. This binary logic has led to the dehumanization and exploitation of entire groups of people.

Reckoning with the past. Acknowledging the dark side of Humanism is crucial for moving forward. This involves recognizing the ways in which it has been complicit in colonialism, slavery, and other forms of oppression, and striving to create a more inclusive and equitable vision of the human.

2. Anti-Humanism as a Necessary, Yet Contradictory, Precursor to Posthumanism

Humanity may well be over-rated, but as the human population on earth reaches its eighth billion mark, any talk of extinction seems downright silly.

Challenging the "Man" of Humanism. Anti-humanism, arising from the disillusionment of the 20th century's failed political experiments and the critiques of feminism and post-colonialism, rejects the unitary, rational subject of Humanism. It exposes the limitations and biases inherent in the traditional concept of "Man."

The contradictions of anti-humanism. While anti-humanism critiques the exclusionary aspects of Humanism, it often relies on humanist values such as freedom, equality, and social justice. This creates a tension between the desire to dismantle oppressive structures and the need to uphold ethical principles.

A stepping stone to posthumanism. Despite its contradictions, anti-humanism provides a crucial foundation for posthumanism by questioning the self-evident status of human nature and opening up space for alternative conceptions of subjectivity. It is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the posthuman.

3. The Postsecular Turn: Challenging the Foundations of Western Humanism

Humanism is the transformation of the Christian doctrine of salvation into a project of universal human emancipation.

The limits of secularism. The decline of Humanism has coincided with a resurgence of religious and spiritual perspectives in the public sphere. This "postsecular turn" challenges the assumption that secularism is a necessary condition for progress and emancipation.

Reassessing the relationship between faith and reason. The postsecular condition forces us to reconsider the relationship between reason and faith, and to acknowledge the potential for religious belief to coexist with critical thought and political agency.

Beyond secularism vs. religion. The postsecular turn calls for a more nuanced understanding of the role of religion in contemporary society, moving beyond simplistic binaries and recognizing the diversity of spiritual practices and beliefs.

4. Posthumanism: Navigating Beyond Humanism and Anti-Humanism

The posthuman condition urges us to think critically and creatively about who and what we are actually in the process of becoming.

A new discursive framework. Posthumanism emerges as a way to move beyond the limitations of both Humanism and anti-humanism, offering a new framework for thinking about the human in the context of technological advancements and global interconnectedness.

Three strands of posthuman thought:

• Reactive posthumanism: Defends Humanism against perceived threats.
• Analytic posthumanism: Examines the impact of science and technology without necessarily engaging with subjectivity.
• Critical posthumanism: Explores alternative conceptions of the human subject.

The focus on subjectivity. Critical posthumanism emphasizes the importance of subjectivity in understanding the posthuman condition. It seeks to develop new social, ethical, and discursive schemes of subject formation that are adequate to the transformations we are undergoing.

5. Post-Anthropocentrism: Challenging Species Supremacy in the Anthropocene

If we had a keen vision and feeling of all ordinary human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow and the squirrel’s heart beat, and we should die of that roar which lies on the other side of silence.

The Anthropocene and its discontents. The Anthropocene, the geological epoch defined by human impact on the planet, forces us to confront the consequences of anthropocentrism – the belief that humans are the center of the universe.

Beyond species hierarchy. Post-anthropocentrism challenges the notion of species hierarchy and calls for a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living beings. It questions the assumption that humans are inherently superior to other species.

The commodification of life. Advanced capitalism, with its bio-genetic technologies, has turned "life itself" into a commodity. This has led to the exploitation and manipulation of animals, plants, and even human genetic material for profit.

6. Becoming-Animal, Becoming-Earth, Becoming-Machine: Pathways to Posthuman Subjectivity

The machines are so alive, whereas the humans are so inert!

Expanding the boundaries of the self. Posthuman subjectivity involves a blurring of the boundaries between the human and the non-human, leading to new forms of identity and connection. This can be explored through three key pathways: becoming-animal, becoming-earth, and becoming-machine.

Becoming-animal:

• Transcends species hierarchy and recognizes trans-species solidarity.
• Challenges anthropocentric views of intelligence and consciousness.
• Explores the ethical implications of human-animal interactions.

Becoming-earth:

• Emphasizes environmental and social sustainability.
• Recognizes the interconnectedness of all living things on the planet.
• Calls for a shift from human-centered to geo-centered perspectives.

Becoming-machine:

• Acknowledges the increasing integration of technology into human life.
• Explores the potential for technology to enhance human capabilities.
• Raises ethical questions about the relationship between humans and machines.

7. The Inhuman: Confronting Death and Necropolitics in the Posthuman Age

Those adventures set out to save the civilized world (‘ homo humanus’) from its enemies (‘ homo barbarus’), under the venerable banners of liberty, decency and democracy.

Beyond bio-politics. The posthuman condition is characterized not only by the management of life (bio-politics) but also by the administration of death (necro-politics). This involves the instrumentalization of human existence and the material destruction of human bodies and populations.

New forms of warfare. Contemporary warfare has become increasingly technologically mediated, leading to new forms of brutality and dehumanization. Drones, autonomous weapons, and other advanced technologies raise ethical questions about the nature of killing and responsibility.

Disposable bodies. The global economy has created a class of disposable bodies – those who are marginalized, exploited, and denied basic human rights. These individuals are often victims of violence, poverty, and environmental degradation.

8. Posthuman Ethics: Relationality, Sustainability, and the Affirmation of Zoe

We need to devise new social, ethical and discursive schemes of subject formation to match the profound transformations we are undergoing.

Beyond individualism. Posthuman ethics emphasizes relationality, sustainability, and the affirmation of zoe – the vital force that animates all living beings. It moves beyond individualistic notions of morality and focuses on the interconnectedness of all things.

Key principles of posthuman ethics:

• Relationality: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
• Sustainability: Promoting ecological and social well-being.
• Affirmation: Celebrating the vitality and creativity of life.

The importance of experimentation. Posthuman ethics is not a set of fixed rules but rather an ongoing process of experimentation and exploration. It involves questioning traditional values and seeking new ways of relating to the world.

9. Reimagining the Humanities: Beyond Anthropocentrism and Methodological Nationalism

It is possible to be critical of Humanism in the name of Humanism and that, schooled in its abuses by the experience of Eurocentrism and empire, one could fashion a different kind of Humanism that was cosmopolitan and text-and-language bound in ways that absorbed the great lessons of the past [. . .] and still remain attuned to the emergent voices and currents of the present, many of them exilic extraterritorial and unhoused.

The crisis of the Humanities. The Humanities are facing a crisis of self-definition in the face of technological advancements, globalization, and the rise of new interdisciplinary fields. Traditional assumptions about the human and the nature of knowledge are being challenged.

Moving beyond anthropocentrism. The Humanities need to move beyond their anthropocentric focus and embrace a more inclusive and planetary perspective. This involves engaging with science and technology, exploring non-human forms of intelligence, and addressing issues of environmental sustainability.

The role of theory. Theory plays a crucial role in reimagining the Humanities. It provides the tools for critical analysis, creative experimentation, and the development of new ethical frameworks.

10. The Global Multi-versity: A New Vision for Higher Education in the Posthuman Era

We need to devise new social, ethical and discursive schemes of subject formation to match the profound transformations we are undergoing.

The changing landscape of higher education. The university is undergoing a transformation in response to globalization, technological advancements, and changing social needs. The traditional model of the university as a center of national culture is being challenged.

The rise of the multi-versity. The university is becoming a "multi-versity" – a complex institution that serves a variety of functions, including research, teaching, and community engagement. This requires a new vision of leadership and governance.

The posthuman university. The posthuman university embraces interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and a commitment to social and environmental justice. It prepares students to be engaged citizens in a globalized world.

Last updated: March 21, 2025