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This book interrogates the ways in which new technological advances impact the thought and practices of humanism. Chapters investigate the social, political, and cultural implications of the creation and use of advanced forms of technology, examining both defining benefits and potential dangers. Contributors also discuss technology's relationship to and impact on the shifting definitions we hold for humankind.
International and multi-disciplinary in nature and scope, the volume presents an exploration of humanism and technology that is both racially diverse and gender sensitive. With great depth and self-awareness, contributors offer suggestions for how humanists and humanist organizations might think about and relate to technology in a rapidly changing world. More broadly, the book offers a critical humanistic interrogation of the concept of "progress" especially as it relates to technological advancement.
List of contents
Section I: Humans Through Technology.- 1. "Humans, Humanities and Humanism in an Age of Technology"; Willem B. Drees.- 2. "Which Humanist Are You? Reflections on our Trans- and Post-Humanity"; William Grassie.- 3. "E-Racing Identity? Black Bodies on and off the Technological (Chopping) Block"; Monica R. Miller.- 4. "Approach to the Singularity: The Road to Ruin, or the Path to Salvation?"; Clay Farris Naff.- Section II: Humans Using Technology.- 5. "A Humanist Evaluation of Substantial Life Extension through Biomedical Research and Technology"; Peter Derkx.- 6. "Technological Progress and Pious Modernity: Secular Liberals Fall Behind the Times"; Taner Edis.- 7. "Mad Science or School-to-Prison?"; Sikivu Hutchinson.- 8. "Tailoring Biotechnologies: A Humanist Perspective?"; Guido Ruivenkamp.- 9. "Books and Beyond: The Importance of Story in the Digital Age"; Kurt Volkan.
About the author
Anthony B. Pinn is the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and Professor of Religion at Rice University, USA, where he is also Founding Director of the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning. Additionally, he is Director of Research for the Institute for Humanist Studies, USA. Pinn is the author-editor of over thirty books.
Summary
This book interrogates the ways in which new technological advances impact the thought and practices of humanism. Chapters investigate the social, political, and cultural implications of the creation and use of advanced forms of technology, examining both defining benefits and potential dangers. Contributors also discuss technology’s relationship to and impact on the shifting definitions we hold for humankind.
International and multi-disciplinary in nature and scope, the volume presents an exploration of humanism and technology that is both racially diverse and gender sensitive. With great depth and self-awareness, contributors offer suggestions for how humanists and humanist organizations might think about and relate to technology in a rapidly changing world. More broadly, the book offers a critical humanistic interrogation of the concept of “progress” especially as it relates to technological advancement.
