Conclusion
Based on the theory of Posthumanism,this thesis interpreted the posthumancrises in Neuromancer.In the novel,Gibson depicts a technologically advancedpostmodern society,in which human and machine have become more intimate thanever before,and thus human turned to posthuman.However,when posthumans wereobsessed with the long life and the enhancement of body function brought bytechnological rationality,they also turned themselves against nature,resulting inirreversible ecological damage.Then the multinational corporations monopolizedsocial resources in posthuman society,forming the binary opposition with thevulnerable groups.Meanwhile,posthuman’s over-dependence on technology alsocaused the crises of subjectivity and spiritual alienation.The underlying causes ofthese crises lie in the extreme development of anthropocentrism and the adulation ofinstrumental rationality.
Gibson’s narrative is not only a vision of the future,but a cautionary tale ofreality.As Braidotii said:“We are experiencing the fourth industrial revolution andthe sixth extinction of species”.Nowadays technology has been integrated into everyaspect of our lives,we cannot stop it,nor can we rely on it to extend the hegemonyof anthropocentrism.So how should posthuman beings position themselves?Whatshould posthuman beings do to avoid crises?This is what Gibson wants us to thinkabout.Therefore,through the thought of posthumanism and Gibson’s reflection ofhuman existence in the novel,this thesis explored the solutions to the posthumancrises,that is,to achieve post-anthropocentric turn,return to body and protect human dignity.It may not be so effortless for human to quickly turn to post-anthropocentrism.After all,anthropocentrism has been with us for thousands ofyears.This requires our patience and perseverance.And being a posthuman does notmean the complete denial of humanism.Gibson emphasizes the importance ofmaintaining human dignity,which is also the hopeful road for posthumans to get ridof the enslavement of technology.
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