Ayn Rand and the Posthuman: The Mind-Made Future

Ayn Rand and the Posthuman explores the relationship between American novelist Ayn Rand and twenty-first-century ideas about technology, focusing on her influence on those with a "posthuman" vision. It examines the philosophical intersections between Objectivism and posthumanism, investigates Rand's presence and portrayal in posthumanist science fiction, and highlights an under-documented aspect of Rand's legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 197 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Ayn Rand and the Posthuman explores the profound relationship between American novelist Ayn Rand and the evolving ideas surrounding technology in the twenty-first century. Rand's literary contributions have left an indelible mark on Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, politicians, and economists, inspiring them with her visionary science fiction. In his book, Ben Murnane delves into Rand's connection with those who embrace a "posthuman" vision, where human and machine converge. The text examines the intricate philosophical intersections between Rand's philosophy of Objectivism and posthumanism, shedding light on her influence on the emerging field of transhumanism. Furthermore, the book conducts a comprehensive exploration of Rand's presence and portrayal in various examples of posthumanist science fiction, including Gene Roddenberry's iconic series Andromeda, the critically acclaimed video game BioShock, and Zoltan Istvans novel The Transhumanist Wager. By examining Rand's influence from a multi-dimensional cultural, political, technological, and economic perspective, this study unveils a previously under-documented yet profoundly significant aspect of her enduring legacy.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 157 x 217 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783319908526
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018