Description
Book SynopsisIn Posthumanity, Brian Cooney examines this philosophically turbulent era, in which the products of our latest technology will include a new kind of reality, new kinds of minds, and new sorts of bodies for those minds. Until now, major technological innovations have always had an important effect on human history. But our newest technology will alter the human animal to such an extent that the next era could end up being posthuman. Posthumanity introduces key concepts in philosophy in a creative and provocative manner guaranteed to engage the attention of first-year students and other newcomers to the study of philosophy. Using examples from films, television, and science fiction, Cooney advances a fascinating and original argument about technology while simultaneously acquainting students with the foundations of philosophy.
Trade ReviewThe range of interrelated topics makes the book ideal for introductory and philosophy of mind courses. The pressing nature of the issues makes it required reading for any educated person. Professor Cooney's book explains how the unprecedented pace of scientific and technological advance strains our understanding of fundamental concepts we normally take for granted: reality, mind, body, and person. Cooney elegantly describes and explores this urgent problem from philosophical, historical, and scientific perspectives. More than that, he provides a highly original basis for an account of consciousness. -- Kelly Becker, assistant professor of philosophy, University of New Mexico
A fruitful book for philosophers and others interested in the future. Recommended. * CHOICE *
An educational romp to the edges of the human hinterland on that travel-worthy steed, philosophy. The writing is clear and Cooney pulls together the best of the past to prepare 'us' for a fascinating post-human future. -- Dorion Sagan, co-author of What Is Life?, Microcosmos: Four Billion Years of Evolution from Our Microbial Ancestors, and other books
Table of ContentsPart 2 1 Reality Chapter 3 The Pathos of the Senses Chapter 4 Liberation from the Cave Chapter 5 Descartes' Meditation Chapter 6 The Demon as Evil Scientist Chapter 7 Levels of Reality Part 8 2 Mind Chapter 9 Planet AI: The First Day Chapter 10 The Imitation Game Chapter 11 Can Machines Think? A Nano Response Chapter 12 Scientism Chapter 13 E.T. and Alien Part 14 3 Embodiment Chapter 15 The Flow of Time Chapter 16 An Enchanted Space Chapter 17 Descartes' Sailor Chapter 18 Our Mammalian Brain Chapter 19 Fear and Loathing Chapter 20 The Endgame of Multicellularity Part 21 4 Posthumanity Chapter 22 Planet AI: The Second Day Chapter 23 Planet AI: The Third Day Chapter 24 Planet AI:The Fourth Day
