Superhumans, Transhumans, and Posthumans in Early Modern Utopian Fiction
Abstract
The paper analyses the functioning of transhumanist and posthumanist motifs in Renaissance and Enlightenment utopias which invariably foreground the natural enhancement of human mental and physical capabilities not only by ideal social and political conditions, but also education, improved diet, healthy and moral lifestyle. New technologies and inventions may contribute to the comforts of life, but ultimately do not alter the traditional model of humanity. Occasionally introduced transhuman and posthuman creatures do not constitute models of the future development of humanity, functioning only as satirical elements, or as devices increasing the sensational appeal of the works in which they appear.
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