Back To The Future Posthuman | Zümre Gizem Yılmaz | TEDxHacettepeUniversity

The Interconnectedness of Past, Present, and Future

• The speaker discusses the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, using examples such as breathing and the air we share, and potatoes formed from the remains of dead organisms.
• Our perception of time as linear and separate is a cultural construct that emerged in the 19th century for trade and factory work regulation.

Pregnancy and Motherhood

• The speaker, a pregnant woman, reflects on the profound impact of her pregnancy on her emotional and psychological well-being.
• She acknowledges the sacredness of motherhood but struggles with the overwhelming responsibilities and challenges that come with it.
• She highlights the tension between her role as a performer and the authenticity required in nurturing a growing life within her.

Human Existence and the Search for Answers

• The speaker discusses the question of human existence and the search for answers in various schools of thought, including existentialism.
• They reflect on the concept of the "Great Human Myth" and the desire to transcend human limitations and achieve immortality.
• They mention NASA's "Blue Marble" photograph of Earth and the fascination with viewing the world from a god-like perspective.

Posthumanism and Transhumanism

• The speaker draws a distinction between posthumanism and transhumanism.
• Posthumanism is concerned with redefining what it means to be human, while transhumanism advocates for technology to enhance human capabilities.
• Posthumanism does not view robots as a threat but as a means to enhance human capabilities, while transhumanism focuses on digitalization and robotics.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of our lives, blurring the lines between physical and digital existence.
• Posthumanism does not view robots as a threat to humanity but rather as a means to enhance human capabilities.

The Importance of Ancient Wisdom

• We should not forget our place in the universe and the importance of ancient wisdom in addressing current challenges such as climate change and pandemics.
• Humans are not superior beings but rather observers of nature, and we should strive to avoid dystopian futures like those depicted in science fiction.

DNA as a Living Fossil

• DNA is a living fossil that tells the story of human existence and evolution, representing the intersection of matter and meaning.

The Complex Interplay of Factors Influencing Human Thought and Action

• Posthumanism is not about creating pure rational beings but rather about understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence our thoughts and actions.
• Our intellectual activities are influenced by various factors such as economic status, political climate, diet, and personal circumstances.
• Knowledge cannot be separated from material existence, and even our thoughts and cognitive abilities can be affected by the food we eat.

The Interconnectedness of Body and Mind

• The separation of body and mind is not a fundamental condition of being human.
• The quality of our bodily fluids, which we often find disgusting, depends on the quality of the elements and nature, as well as how we treat them.
• We are in constant interaction with our environment, and with each other, through the air we breathe.

Conclusion

• Being human means remembering our divine and material nature, and perhaps returning to ancient and cosmic knowledge that we have forgotten.