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Course learning outcomes
This course develops around the notion of the human, presenting it not as a static category, but as a process which is constantly evolving. In the first part of the course, we will explore key concepts such as: evolution, the overhuman (Nietzsche), and technology. In parallel, we will address the notion of the posthuman which, in the contemporary debate, has become a key term to cope with the urgency for an integral redefinition of the human. The philosophical landscape which has developed, includes several schools of thought such as: Posthumanism, Transhumanism, Antihumanism and New Materialism. We will explore the differences between these movements, entering actively into the debate; following, we will analyze, more clearly, Philosophical Posthumanism, and why such philosophical approach may suit not only the geological time of the Anthropocene, but also the current era of radical biotechnological developments, cognitive robotics and big data.
Course dates:
First Published 10/09/2020.
Updated 17/09/2020
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Course content
PHILOSOPHIES OF THE POSTHUMAN
This online course on the Philosophies of the Posthuman is conceived for anyone who is interested in the topic of the posthuman and wishes to access a basic understanding of the different movements that are emerging. In 6 lessons and 3 concepts, Professor Ferrando explains the main topics related to the posthuman turn.
OUTLINE
This is the outline of the Course:
6 Lessons
Lesson 1: What does "POSTHUMAN" mean"?
Lesson 2: What is TRANSHUMANISM?
Lesson 3: What is POSTHUMANISM?
Lesson 4: What does POST-HUMANISM mean?
Lesson 5: What does POST-ANTHROPOCENTRISM mean?
Lesson 6: What does POST-DUALISM mean?3 Concepts
Concept 1: Are we already POSTHUMAN?
Concept 2: What is the MAIN DIFFERENCE bewteen POSTHUMANISM and TRANSHUMANISM?
Concept 3: What are the ROOTS of POSTHUMANISM and TRANSHUMANISM?RESOURCES
Please, note that these articles, published under a Creative Commons license, can be downloaded and shared freely:
1.
Ferrrando, F. "Posthumanism, Transhumanism, Antihumanism, Metahumanism, and New Materialisms: Differences and Relations"
In: Existenz. Published by The Karl Jaspers Society of North America, Vol. 8, No. 2, March 2014, pp. 26-32.
2.
Ferrrando, F. "The Body"
In: Post- and Transhumanism: An Introduction Edited by Ranisch, R. & Sorgner, S. L. Published by Peter Lang, 2014, pp. 213-226.DISTRIBUTION
The full course, including quizzes, tests and transcripts, are freely available on the website of the Global Posthuman Network:
https://www.posthumans.org/course-the-posthuman.html
The videos for the course are openly available on Youtube.
Professor Ferrando supports free circulation of knowledge and is an advocate for Creative Commons.
CREDITS
The section "Tests and Quizzes" was curated by Matigan King and Aria Smith; reviewed by Francesca Ferrando.
The online publication was completed by Aria Smith.
The art image was created by Thomas Elanore.