Life in the Posthuman Condition: Critical Responses to the Anthropocene

This collection explores the concept of life beyond the human and investigates forms of life that have been excluded from modern philosophy, such as post-Anthropocene life, animal life, and the life of inorganic objects. It introduces an interdisciplinary approach that brings together contemporary philosophy, cultural and visual studies, posthumanism, media and technology studies, environmental studies, and indigenous cosmologies. The book outlines new ontologies and engages with new materialism, featuring contributions by prominent contemporary philosophers and theorists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This collection is a groundbreaking exploration into the realm of life, challenging the boundaries of modern philosophy and venturing into uncharted territories. It delves into the diverse forms of life that have been overlooked or marginalized by mainstream discourse, including post-Anthropocene life, the life of non-human animals, and the life of inorganic objects.

The contributors, a group of esteemed contemporary philosophers and theorists, raise thought-provoking questions and offer innovative perspectives on these neglected aspects of existence. They explore topics such as the potential for new forms of subjection in the Anthropocene era, the insights that animals can provide us in this changing world, the possibility of reconstructing the perceptual world of animals and understanding their subjective experiences, and the enigmatic nature of inorganic matter when it is no longer utilized by any subject.

The book is organized into two sections. The first section, "Life Beyond the Anthropocene," critically examines the concept of the Anthropocene and presents alternative scenarios for the future of life on Earth. It explores the idea of Gaia theory, post-Anthropocene forms of life on other planets, and the emergence of new forms of subjectivity. The second section, "Human and Non-Human Interactions," delves into the complex boundary between life and non-life, and investigates the ways in which humans and non-human animals interact and coexist.

Through an interdisciplinary approach that brings together contemporary philosophy, cultural and visual studies, posthumanism, media and technology studies, environmental studies, and indigenous cosmologies, the book offers a fresh and comprehensive perspective on the nature of life. It challenges traditional notions of what it means to be alive and opens up new avenues for understanding and appreciating the diverse tapestry of life on our planet.

This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, the sciences, and the humanities. It provides a wealth of insights and ideas that will inspire and challenge readers to think critically about the world around them and the place of life within it.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 240 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399505277