Envisioning the Transhuman Condition Representing Evolutionary Futurism Through Select Manga

Abstract

The thesis Envisioning the Transhuman Condition: Representing Evolutionary Futurism through Select Manga examines ontological issues associated with transhumanism and how these can be addressed using Japanese manga. Transhumanism is a cultural and philosophical movement which aims at empower humanity through an unbridled embracing of advanced scientific enhancements. It is part of a utopian rhetoric of technology called evolutionary futurism which rhetorically situates technology as exerting mutational, evolutionary pressures on the human organism. Transhumanism promotes the use of technological innovations which can help humanity to transcend limitations of disability, disease and death. It invests in cutting edge technological innovations originating from research in nanotechnology, biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cryonics, artificial prosthesis, and brain emulation. Through the use of enhancements which can empower humanity to take charge of their evolutionary process, transhumanism envisions the future transcendence of humanity into the posthuman. The transhuman condition is a transitional phase between the human and the posthuman. A symbiotic relationship with technology will aid in uplifting humanity into the transhuman condition, and eventually into the posthuman state of existence. But the technological enhancements necessary to power the transhumanist vision are in the initial stages of development. Transhumanism is, thus, facing ontological issues. These issues can be addressed through art and literature which engage with the philosophy of transhumanism, especially Japanese manga. The global popularity and wide readership associated with manga helps solve issues of representation associated with transhumanism. Manga utilizes a hybrid form of narration which seamlessly merges images and texts. The visual language of manga helps disseminate transhumanist ideals effectively. An exploration of post-Second World War manga reveals its representation of technological innovations similar...