Cyborg anthropology

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Cyborg anthropology is a discipline that studies the interaction between humans and technology from an anthropological perspective. It examines how humans and technology co-evolve, influence each other, and integrate to form new kinds of social and cultural phenomena.

Overview

Cyborg anthropology emerged as a subfield of anthropology in the late 20th century, influenced by the increasing prevalence of cyborgs—beings with both organic and biomechatronic body parts—in popular culture and real life. The term "cyborg" was coined by Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline in 1960 to describe a being with both biological and artificial parts.

Key Concepts

Cyborg

A cyborg is a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts. The concept of the cyborg blurs the boundaries between human and machine, nature and culture, and the organic and inorganic.

Technological Determinism

Technological determinism is the theory that technology shapes society and culture. In cyborg anthropology, this concept is used to explore how technological advancements influence human behavior, social structures, and cultural norms.

Posthumanism

Posthumanism is a philosophical perspective that explores the possibilities of life beyond the traditional human condition. It challenges the conventional boundaries of what it means to be human, often incorporating elements of cyborg theory.

Applications

Cyborg anthropology has applications in various fields, including medicine, sociology, cultural studies, and technology studies. It provides insights into how technological advancements, such as prosthetics, implants, and wearable technology, impact human identity, social interactions, and cultural practices.

Notable Figures

Donna Haraway

Donna Haraway is a prominent figure in cyborg anthropology. Her seminal work, "A Cyborg Manifesto," explores the intersections of technology, feminism, and socialism, advocating for a world where the boundaries between human and machine are fluid and dynamic.

Amber Case

Amber Case is a cyborg anthropologist known for her work on the interaction between humans and technology. She has explored how digital devices and the internet are changing human behavior and social structures.

Related Topics

• Transhumanism
• Bioethics
• Human enhancement
• Artificial intelligence
• Virtual reality

See Also

• Anthropology
• Cultural anthropology
• Sociocultural evolution
• Human-computer interaction