Philosophical Posthumanism: (Theory in the New Humanities)

The notion of ‘the human’ is in need of urgent redefinition. At a time of radical bio-technological developments, and in light of the political and environmental imperatives of our age, the term ‘posthuman’ provides an alternative. The philosophical landscape which has developed as a response to the crisis of the human, includes several movements, such as: Posthumanism, Transhumanism, Antihumanism and Object Oriented Ontology. This book explains the similarities and differences between these currents and offers a detailed examination of a number of topics that fall under the “posthuman” umbrella, including the anthropocene, artificial intelligence and the deconstruction of the human. Francesca Ferrando affords particular focus to Philosophical Posthumanism, defined as a philosophy of mediation which addresses the meaning of humanity not in separation, but in relation to technology and ecology. The posthuman shift thus emerges in the global call for social change, responsible science and multispecies coexistence.

Table of Contents:
Foreword: The Posthuman As Exuberant Excess by Rosi Braidotti Introduction: From Humans to Posthumans 1. Part 1 What is Philosophical Posthumanism? 1. Premises 2. From Postmodern to Posthuman 3. Posthumanism and Its Others 4. The Birth of Transhumanism 5. Contemporary Transhumanism(s) 6 The Roots of Transhumanism 7 Transhumanism and Techno-Enchantment 8. Posthumanist Technologies as Ways of Revealing 9. Antihumanism and the Übermensch 10. Philosophical Posthumanism Interlude 1 Part 2 Of Which “Human” is the Posthuman a “Post”? 11. The Power of the Hyphen 12. Humanizing 13. The Anthropological Machine 14. Almost, Human 15. Technologies of the Self as Posthumanist (Re)Sources 16. The Epiphany of Becoming Human 17. Where does the word “human” come from? 18. Mammals or Homo sapiens? Interlude 2 Part 3 Have We Always Been Posthuman? 19. Post-Anthropocentrism in the Anthropocene 20. Posthuman Life a. Bios and Zoe b. Animate / Inanimate 21. Artificial Life 22. Evolving Species 23. Posthumanities 24. Posthuman Bioethics 25. Human Enhancement 26. Cognitive Autopoiesis 27. Posthumanist Perspectivism 28. From New Materialisms to Object Oriented Ontology 29. Philosophical Posthumanist Ontology 30. The Multiverse a. The Multiverse in Science b. The Multiverse in Philosophy c. A Thought Experiment: The Posthuman Multiverse Concluding Celebration Bibliography Acknowledgements

About the Author :
Francesca Ferrando is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy at NYU-Liberal Studies, New York University, USA. A leading voice in the field of Posthuman Studies and founder of the NY Posthuman Research Group, she is the recipient of numerous honors and recognitions.

Review :
Ferrando skillfully disentangles the umbrella term “posthumanism” and offers original thought experiments concerning a posthuman future ... As such, Philosophical Posthumanism is well-suited to audiences who are new to posthuman theory, but it also provides original critical material that will interest readers familiar with the field of posthumanism. A generous and creative work ... the most distinguishing feature of Philosophical Posthumanism is its author’s vision towards a better future. Philosophical Posthumanism is exemplary in its lucid survey of the major thinkers, theories and concepts … The navigational questions make this book especially useful for those teaching introductory courses on posthumanist theory, or for anyone looking for an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the field. Ferrando has written a philosophically original inquiry that addresses the formidable questions our time has given rise to that may rekindle hope in the power of critical thinking—that thinking gets somewhere—even in transcending itself, in all but the most despairing. [An] exceptional and exemplary primer on the subject … [One] cannot overestimate the importance of Ferrando’s timely intervention … The book is an essential reading for all who are interested in a lucid understanding of this new horizon of philosophical theory and praxis of our times. And it is perfect as a textbook on the subject for college or university students. An erudite and important contribution to the growing field of Posthumanist literature ... An exciting, inspiring and at times dizzying book that successfully identifies the urgency of posthumanist thought in a world increasingly beleaguered by legacies of Western humanist practices. [A] pioneering work in the rather young intellectual tradition of Posthumanism … Ferrando’s book has its biggest merit in bringing together a very thoughtful historical analysis of the intellectual roots of posthumanism and at the same time using these considerations within the performance of posthuman theory as nondualist and non-anthropocentric celebration of life in all its diversity. The author meets highest academic standards in presenting the diverse theories involved within this movement of thought and adds a very accessible and engaging text to the canon of philosophical literature. With an impressive ability to combine a recognition of the current state of scholarship, a synoptic vision of the field, and an enthusiasm for research and discovery, Ferrando portrays the posthuman in its heterogeneity and philosophical posthumanism in its multifaceted theoretical endeavors. Furthermore, she does this with the rigor and skill of a distinguished scholar, the explanatory ability of an expert teacher, the enthusiasm and pathos of a narrator, and the inspiration of a prophetic "realistic" announcer. Contains a series of original reflections which will not fail to stimulate robust discussion ... [Ferrando] builds an ontology of the posthuman that embraces the whole of reality, extending posthumanism’s scope to the entire universe, and indeed, to all possible universes. Engages in a passionate way with the history of posthuman thinking, its future visions and various schools of thought nourished by a critical stance toward classical humanism ... [Ferrando] meets highest academic standards in presenting her arguments and adds a very accessible and engaging text to the canon of philosophical literature. A wholly exciting, easy to follow, and useful reference. Francesca Ferrando's Philosophical Posthumanism is the best book on transhumanism that I have read so far. I believe that it is a must-read for transhumanists and non-transhumanists alike. Thought-provoking and meaningful. In this stunning book Francesca Ferrando paints a clear and inspirational picture of the future of humankind. Her book is both thorough and exciting. It is a delight to see that she does not simply toe the line and follow 'official' thinking, but quite rightly the philosophy of Nietzsche and Lamarck gets an airing. If you want to know what Posthumanism is all about and peek into our future world, then dive into the book and wallow in its pages. Francesca Ferrando book will be of great value to those who wish to understand the range of non-anthropocentric approaches to philosophy and politics. In Philosophical Posthumanism, they will find an account of the theoretical foundations and practice of posthumanism that is impressively scholarly, ethically engaged and engaging. The emergence of posthuman thinking is a paradigm shifting event. Categorical dualities get twisted. Francesca Ferrando is at the forefront of thinking philosophically about the great variety of correlated developments. A remarkable text ... The intensity and depth with which Francesca Ferrando addresses complex posthumanist theories, while manifesting her own conceptualization of posthumanism, united with clarity and precision, makes this a text that can be approached by both experts and laymen in the field. Ferrando presents her brand of posthumanist thought with an intense academic vigor, consistent systematicity, and a genuine commitment. What makes Philosophical Posthumanism a generous and creative work is Francesca Ferrando’s ‘appreciation of the paradoxical structure of the posthuman condition itself’ ... the most distinguishing feature of [the book] is its author’s vision towards a better future.