Visions of improving, expanding, or even overcoming human nature are
probably as old as human nature itself. However, it is only since the
20th century that technology has advanced to such an extent that what
once seemed like a distant utopia is now within reach. A liberal,
post-essentialist zeitgeist, together with transgressive capitalism, has
facilitated and encouraged experimentation on many levels of human
existence. Ironically, it is the Anthropocene (from the Greek
"anthropos", "human") that has made post- and transhumanism paradigmatic
phenomena. Modern and contemporary art has reacted to the potentials of
post- and transhumanism in a variety of ways, from warning against
dehumanisation or fear of the rule of machines to affirming the
emancipatory effect of technology.
The seminar offers an
introduction to the philosophical concepts of post- and transhumanism,
discusses their cultural, social, political implications and discusses
various related art projects from the 20th and 21st centuries. Examples
from everyday life and popular culture will also be considered. The
course will conclude with a visit to a gym and the Shedhalle Zürich.
- Kursanbieter/in: Jörg Scheller