The Politics and Ethics of Transhumanism
Techno-Human Evolution and Advanced Capitalism
By Alexander Thomas
Published
Jul 24, 2024Page count
240 pagesISBN
978-1529239645Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 24, 2024Page count
240 pagesISBN
978-1529239652Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 24, 2024Page count
240 pagesISBN
978-1529239669Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
The Politics and Ethics of Transhumanism
Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence
Transhumanism is a philosophy which advocates for the use of technology to radically enhance human capacities.
This book interrogates the promises of transhumanism, arguing that it is deeply entwined with capitalist ideology. In an era of escalating crisis and soaring inequality, it casts doubt on a utopian techno-capitalist narrative of unending progress. In critiquing the transhumanist project, the book offers an alternative ethical framework for the future of life on the planet.
As the debates around the advancement of AI and corporate-led digital technologies intensify, this is an important read for academics as well as policy makers .
“Thomas does a brilliant job of criticizing transhumanist thought by situating it within complexity and capitalism. This full-length book is incredibly well researched and a timely addition to the current discourse.” Richard Lewis, University of Washington Bothell
Alexander Thomas is a filmmaker and Senior Lecturer at the University of East London.
1. A Brief History of Transhumanism and its Critics
2. The Logics and Trajectories of Advanced Capitalism
3. Technologies of Power and Control
4. Data Totalitarianism
5. Transcendent Conformity
6. Systemic Dehumanisation
7. Towards an Ethics for the Future: Posthumanism and Adorno’s Aporia
8. Conclusion
