I've been watching Odyssey 5 -- which I'll talk about more on Friday on the website -- and there was an episode on transhumanism.
It has to do with the belief that humans can transcend using technology. The belief is technology can help us evolve to something greater, using technology to eliminate aging, physical disabilities and improve individual lives.
From Wikipedia: Transhumanists believe it is imperative for humans to strive for progress and improvement of the human condition. That it is possible and desirable for humanity to enter a transhuman phase of existence, in which humans are in control of their own evolution. In such a phase, natural evolution would be replaced with deliberate change.
So, imagine then that a sci-fi show having transhumans, would be humans enhanced and improved by technology, therefore, pulling in the subgenre of cyberpunk. Although cyberpunk does not necessarily 'improve' us [think borgs], transhumanism does. So, that's it's distinction.
Some prominent examples of transhumans are:
Darth Vader
Robocop
The Replicants in Blade Runner
Bionic Man & Woman
Leda in Semper Audacia
(I wrote about one and didn't even know it)
Grace in Small Graces
Side note: Posts on this blog will now appear on Mondays and Thursdays. Will be posting Tuesdays and Fridays on the website: www.mpaxauthor.com
And an announcement from Wendy Ewurum of Fabulosity Reads launching a new book site:
Fabulosity Galore is an online book store and blog created and run by Wendy G. Ewurum, author of Fabulosity Reads (a book review blog).
Fabulosity Galore is affiliated to a number of booksellers, Amazon.com and Kalahari included. It's a quest to find the best book and accessories deals. It will also make the best effort to prominently feature books which have been reviewed by at Fabulosity Reads. Fabulosity Galore strives to support our writer friends and favourite books in their endeavour to promote and sell their books. Readers are more than welcome to submit their bookish requests and comments to us. And last but not least writers we also welcome news from writers about any promotional activities concerning works/books.
So, now we know what transhumans are, realize we even know a few, in some cases realize we created a few. Have any thoughts on the transhumanist movement? In reality or sci-fi?
28 comments:
Well, maybe science will get us there, but the pessimist in me thinks it's more likely we'll end up going the Pottenger's Cats route, thanks to the crazy things we're doing with our food these days. :\
Sorry, but it's a Monday. You can't expect cheery thoughts!
I recently saw a show in Discover Channel about how we are now building cyborgs. Well, kinda sorta. WIth prostetics to replace limbs, artifical organs, and electronics to enhance our five senses, we are well on our way
wow, thats a lot of cybernetics!
you listed some of my favorites =)
Thanks for the clear explanation. I had never heard this term before. Your examples helped too. I have a sudden need to re-watch "Blade Runner" ;).
ahh, I remember you talking about this show! So you like it? (Has it started yet?)
Transhumans. NOT Borg. Interesting... :D <3
I'm always fascinated with the medical side of this--essentially knee replacements and other elective procedures are just a simple form of this idea.
Things get scary when you start messing with God's plan. Just sayin'!
Where does Dick Cheney fall on the spectrum?
I like the idea of Transhumans. It would be nice to have spare parts when ours wear out. Most of us feel young at heart no matter what our age.
Replicants came to my mind first. Would Universal Soldiers fall into this category?
The idea is interesting and a great jumping off point for lots of stories about science and humanity. I'm not sure how I feel about the transhuman movement, but it does make me a little uneasy. I don't know how I feel about us controlling our own evolution. Thanks for posting about this! You've got my brain going. :)
Lindsay, I kind of think we won't make it that far either. But you never know.
I didn't see that, Stephen, but I saw how they are beginning to integrate robotics for folks with limbs that don't work or are missing.
I learned something, too, Tara :)
Blade Runner is a great flick, CD.
No, the new Syfy show hasn't started, Leigh. I'm watching an old Showtime show.
I find the medical applications fascinating, too, Julie.
They can be scary, Nancy. They can also be marvelous.
Beer, Dick is his own special category.
I agree, Belle. I've often wished for a brain or hand replacement. :)
Yes, Alex. Universal Solider was transhumans, too. I'd forgotten about that movie. It wasn't so bad.
The idea does spawn a lot of inspiration, Krispy. I'm glad I looked into it further.
Love it in Sci Fi, a teeny bit weirded out by it in real life. :)
I don't know if it could be it's own subgenre yet. But it very well could be if people keep writing about these perfected humans.
Technically, the replicants in Blade Runner are not transhumans, at least the way you were using the term. That is, they are not humans with improvements; they are replicas.
Actually, Seven of Nine seemed to think being a Borg was an improvement.
I'm all for technology fixing my creaky back and "laugh lines". Just sayin'.
It would also be kind of cool to be able to eavesdrop on people from half a mile away like the Bionic Woman. I loved that show when I was a kid. :)
Robocop's my favorite. (: Twitter
Nice list :) Would genetic enhancement also cover transhumans? So the Space Marines in the Warhammer 40,000 universe would count as transhuman?
Now if we could only find the wisdom to match our technological advancements, we might be on to something. Otherwise... yikes. :-O
I feel the same, Peggy and Retta.
The theme comes up more than we think, Jay. It's intriguing to write about.
I suppose as I defined it, Mark, no, but technology is used to 'improve' the Replicants, and it is humans playing around with their own evolution.
I'm for technology getting of my creaky hands, LG.
I think genetic enhancement counts Jamie. That's what the Replicants are, right?
I keep picturing that episode of Star Trek where the brains lived in jars. Somehow I don't think technology will help develop us where we need it...our souls.
Thanks for the new book site. :)
It would be awesome if technology wiped out not only the aging and physical disabilities, but also cancer and other terminal illnesses. Just a wishful thinking :-)
This is a new term to me though I'm familiar with the concept. ;)
I loved seeing your characters in the litany. It was kind of surprising, at first, but seemed so very natural.
I always felt horribly sorry for the Replicants.
I could use a few spare parts now(back issues). I love the idea, but in reality I wonder...
Maybe we should start with extending our lifespan.
I don't think that being more machine than human counts.
When I saw the title, my brain went in a while different direction...
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