new book – ‘Humanity 2.0: What it Means to be Human Past, Present and Future’
Written on November 22, 2011
Humanity 2.0: What it Means to be Human Past, Present and Future by Steve Fuller (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011)
Product description from the publisher:
Social thinkers in all fields are faced with one unavoidable question: what does it mean to be ‘human’ in the 21st century? As definitions between what is ‘animal’ and what is ‘human’ break down, and as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and nano- and bio- technologies develop, accepted notions of humanity are rapidly evolving.
Humanity 2.0 is an ambitious and groundbreaking book, offering a sweeping overview of key historical, philosophical and theological moments that have shaped our understandings of humanity. Tackling head on the twin taboos that have always hovered over the scientific study of humanity – race and religion – Steve Fuller argues that far from disappearing, they are being reinvented.
Fuller argues that these new developments will force us to decide which features of our current way of life – not least our bodies – are truly needed to remain human, and concludes with a consideration of these changes for ethical and social values more broadly.
See also: Guardian/Observer interview: “Steve Fuller: it’s time for Humanity 2.0”
