How Do You Spell POSTHUMAN?

Pronunciation: [pˈə͡ʊsthjuːmən] (IPA)

The word "posthuman" is spelled /pəʊstˈhjuːmən/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "p" represents the voiced bilabial plosive, followed by a schwa sound in "o". The "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant, and the "t" as a voiceless alveolar plosive. The stress falls on the second syllable, represented by the superscript "ˈhjuː". The final syllables are pronounced with a schwa sound in "man". Overall, the word signifies the idea of transcending human limitations and moving beyond the traditional understanding of what it means to be human.

POSTHUMAN Meaning and Definition

1. Posthuman is an adjective that refers to a concept or societal state that goes beyond the traditional understanding of what it means to be human. It encompasses the vision or realization of a future era or condition where humans have significantly transformed or evolved into a different form, often merging with technology or transcending physical limitations. This term is rooted in postmodern discourse and explores the possibilities of human enhancement, technological advancements, and the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines.

   Posthumanism, the philosophical belief system underlying the concept of posthuman, suggests the obsolescence or redefinition of the traditional human subjectivity. It challenges the anthropocentric perspective by advocating for the celebration and inclusion of non-human entities and perspectives in society. Posthumanists emphasize the potential of technology to reshape human cognition, physical capacities, and existence, alluding to the diversification of what it means to be human.

   Posthumanism also reflects concerns about the ethical, social, and ecological implications of human enhancement and the future integration of technology into the human body. It questions the hierarchical structures of power, exploring possibilities of more egalitarian relationships between humans and their environment. The posthuman perspective seeks to foster a more inclusive worldview, recognizing the interconnectedness of all species and the entanglement of humans with sentient and non-sentient entities.

   In summary, posthuman signifies a state beyond the conventional boundaries of humanity, suggesting a future where humans will undergo profound transformations, merge with technology, and redefine their identity and relationship to the world.

Etymology of POSTHUMAN

The word "posthuman" is a combination of two terms: "post", meaning "after" or "beyond", and "human", referring to the beings belonging to the Homo sapiens species. The etymology of "post" can be traced back to the Latin word "post" meaning "after" or "behind". "Human" comes from the Latin word "humanus", which is derived from "homo" meaning "man" or "human being". Thus, "posthuman" suggests a state or condition that lies beyond or after the human. The term was first used in its current context to describe the speculative evolution of humans into a new form or existence beyond their current limitations. It has gained prominence within the fields of science fiction, philosophy, and transhumanism in recent decades.