The Paradox of the Posthuman

In the past two decades the concept of the posthuman
has emerged as a discourse within philosophy, science
fiction, cultural studies and contemporary art.
Since it is co-existent with the growth of advanced
medical and communication technologies, the posthuman
is framed by ideas of mutation, evolution and the
development of a species that re-writes what is
generally conceived as human. The definition of the
posthuman draws on both humanist and anti-humanist
concepts that suggest a profound paradox. This book
explores the nature of these paradoxes in popular
culture, film and art. It examines the way paradox
is central to the very nature of the posthuman and
considers the changes, contradictions and ideologies
inherent in the posthuman and how these affect
discourses of the body. In particular it provides
close readings of the films Alien Resurrection,
GATTACA, Crash and Strange Days, as well as a chapter
on the performance artist Stelarc. This book is ideal
for those interested in philosophical anthropology,
anti-humanism, eugenics, genetic engineering,
prosthetics, ethics, science fiction films, art and
screen studies.

Autorentext

Dr Julie Clarke was awarded a PhD in Cinema Studies from TheUniversity of Melbourne in 2005. She is an Honorary Fellow in theSchool of Culture and Communication. She has been publishedextensively in Australia and Internationally.

Klappentext

In the past two decades the concept of the posthumanhas emerged as a discourse within philosophy, sciencefiction, cultural studies and contemporary art. Since it is co-existent with the growth of advancedmedical and communication technologies, the posthumanis framed by ideas of mutation, evolution and thedevelopment of a species that re-writes what isgenerally conceived as human. The definition of theposthuman draws on both humanist and anti-humanistconcepts that suggest a profound paradox. This bookexplores the nature of these paradoxes in popularculture, film and art. It examines the way paradoxis central to the very nature of the posthuman andconsiders the changes, contradictions and ideologiesinherent in the posthuman and how these affectdiscourses of the body. In particular it providesclose readings of the films Alien Resurrection,GATTACA, Crash and Strange Days, as well as a chapteron the performance artist Stelarc. This book is idealfor those interested in philosophical anthropology,anti-humanism, eugenics, genetic engineering,prosthetics, ethics, science fiction films, art andscreen studies.