Francesca Ferrando (2019): Philosophical Posthumanism. Theory in the New Humanities, Series Editor: Rosi Braidotti, Pref
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BOOK REVIEW
Francesca Ferrando (2019): Philosophical Posthumanism. Theory in the New Humanities, Series Editor: Rosi Braidotti, Preface by Rosi Braidotti). Bloomsbury Academic (27 June, 2019), Hardcover, 296 pages, ISBN‑10: 1350059501, ISBN‑13: 978‑1350059504 Yvonne Förster1,2 Received: 12 August 2019 / Accepted: 21 October 2019 © Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2019
Francesca Ferrando’s book Philosophical Posthumanism is a pioneering work in the rather young intellectual tradition of Posthumanism. It can be read as a handbook outlining the different schools of thought pertaining to Post- and Transhumanism, their origin and agenda. It is also an original contribution to the ongoing debate around the future of humans in theory and practice. Ferrando’s claim that Philosophical Posthumanism (PP) is not only a theory, but also a practice indicates that the author’s notion of philosophy is informed by her studies of the classics as well as her thorough knowledge and engagement in gender studies. Rosi Braidotti describes the character of the book in her very engaging foreword as a “joyful de-familiarization” (XVI) from the inherited habits and schools of thought. Ferrando aims at giving a thorough overview of the main lines of thought and schools surrounding post- and transhumanism in order to develop a clear-cut picture of what PP is and how it differs and relates to other theories. The book is divided into three systematic parts, with the first outlining the different disciplines pertaining to the current discussion and their historical roots. The second part discusses the concept of the human that lies at the core of the various theories and their ways of imagining a future beyond the humans as they exist today. The third and last part of the book dives deeper into the idea of human evolution and the ontological foundations of posthumanism. Ferrando not only considers human history and evolution. She also asks how humans, non-humans and technology are intertwined in * Yvonne Förster [email protected] 1
Leuphana University Lüneburg, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
Shanxi University Taiyuan, Xiaodian, 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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their evolution and how a concept of life can be developed that is not restricted to human or animal life. This inclusive perspective characterizes the whole work. Ferrando keeps an argumentative and informative style even when presenting rather deep disagreements with some positions. She lays emphasize on PP as a theory that enacts an open, inclusive and conscious stance toward all categories and cultural practices. She defines PP as follows: “Philosophical Posthumanism is an onto-epistemological approach, as well as an ethical one, manifesting as a philosophy of mediation, which discharges any confrontational dualisms and hierarchical legacies; this is why it can be approached as a post-humanism, a post-anthropocentrism, and a post-dualism.” (22) With this definition, the agenda for the book is set. In the following chapters F
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