Futures of the Human Subject

Sławomir Kozioł is an assistant professor at the University of Rzeszów, Poland. His academic interests include science fiction, posthumanism, theories of the human subject, philosophy of technical mediation, social space and new-media art. He has published articles in Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, Extrapolation, Miscelánea: A Journal of English and American Studies, Papers on Language and Literature and Science Fiction Studies, among others.

• Introduction Chapter 1. Technical Mediation, Subjectivity and Science Fiction Early philosophy of technology and utopia/dystopia syndrome Empirical turn Posthuman perspectivePhilosophy of technical mediation—key concepts Technical mediation and Foucault Modes of human–technology interactionEthics of technologyScience fiction Chapter 2. The Circle: Embracing Social Media and Personal TransparencyUtopian vision of ICTs as subjectifying discourse Self-conception, social self and the internet as archive Subjectifying power of the algorithm Pressure for social media activity Gamification and the quantified self Surveillance and personal transparency Chapter 3. Rainbows End: New Vistas through Displays in Contacts New life after Alzheimer’s Materiality of discourse Wearing: the physical mode Cognitive enhancement Personal interaction and multitasking Belief circles and play Cognitive labour and control Chapter 4. Maddadam trilogy: Alleviating Existential Fears Life in the Compounds Ethical subjectification of God’s Gardeners Makover culture Producing patients Becoming Crake Conclusion Works Cited

"What can science fiction teach us about our constantly changing relationship with technology? At a time in which our views and assumptions are challenged by dazzling discoveries and inspiring innovations on a daily basis, this book combines literary criticism and philosophical insights to interpret the brave new world around us."Dr Detlef Wagenaar, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands