1st Edition
Futures of the Human Subject Technical Mediation, Foucault and Science Fiction
Futures of the Human Subject focuses on the representation of the effects of technology use on human subjectivity in several recent near-future science fiction novels. Sharing the idea that human subjects are constructed in the world in which they exist, this volume inscribes itself in the wider field of posthumanism which contests the liberal humanist notion of people as self-contained, autonomous agents. At the same time, it is the first substantial study of literary representations of the human subject carried out within the conceptual framework of Foucault-inflected philosophy of technical mediation, which examines the nature of the relation between people and specific technologies as well as the way in which this relation affects human subjectivity. As such, the book may help readers to exercise more effective control over the way in which they are constituted as subjects in this technologically saturated world.
Introduction
Chapter 1. Technical Mediation, Subjectivity and Science Fiction
Early philosophy of technology and utopia/dystopia syndrome
Empirical turn
Posthuman perspective
Philosophy of technical mediation—key concepts
Technical mediation and Foucault
Modes of human–technology interaction
Ethics of technology
Science fiction
Chapter 2. The Circle: Embracing Social Media and Personal Transparency
Utopian vision of ICTs as subjectifying discourse
Self-conception, social self and the internet as archive
Subjectifying power of the algorithm
Pressure for social media activity
Gamification and the quantified self
Surveillance and personal transparency
Chapter 3. Rainbows End: New Vistas through Displays in Contacts
New life after Alzheimer’s
Materiality of discourse
Wearing: the physical mode
Cognitive enhancement
Personal interaction and multitasking
Belief circles and play
Cognitive labour and control
Chapter 4. Maddadam trilogy: Alleviating Existential Fears
Life in the Compounds
Ethical subjectification of God’s Gardeners
Makover culture
Producing patients
Becoming Crake
Conclusion
Works Cited
Biography
Sławomir Kozioł is an assistant professor at the University of Rzeszów, Poland. His academic interests include science fiction, posthumanism, theories of the human subject, philosophy of technical mediation, social space and new-media art. He has published articles in Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, Extrapolation, Miscelánea: A Journal of English and American Studies, Papers on Language and Literature and Science Fiction Studies, among others.
"What can science fiction teach us about our constantly changing relationship with technology? At a time in which our views and assumptions are challenged by dazzling discoveries and inspiring innovations on a daily basis, this book combines literary criticism and philosophical insights to interpret the brave new world around us."
Dr Detlef Wagenaar, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
