Beschreibung
This book explores Technological Human Enhancement Advocacy through ethnographically inspired participant observation across a range of sites. James MacFarlane argues that such advocacy is characterised by 'Techno-centrism', a belief grounded in today's world while being also future-oriented and even imaginary. This blurring of 'real' and 'imagined' futures borrows from the materialist grounding of the scientific worldview, while granting extended licence to visions for technology as an enabler of forward-facing action, which include reviving humanist ideals associated with the modernisation project. While Techno-centrism is arguably most pronounced in transhumanism-where it is acted-out in extreme, almost hyperbolic ways-it reflects more generally held, deep-seeded concerns around the future of science, technology and human self-identity in the new millennium. Far from being new, these emerging social forms capture unresolved ambivalences which have long cast a shadow over late-modern society and culture.
Autorenporträt
James Michael MacFarlane received his PhD from the University of Warwick. His work focuses on the dissemination of expert/technical knowledge to non-expert audiences, public engagement and involvement with science, and the strengthening of science-public relations through enhanced communication and dialogue.
Herstellerkennzeichnung:
Springer Verlag GmbH
Tiergartenstr. 17
69121 Heidelberg
DE
E-Mail: juergen.hartmann@springer.com
