Transhumanism and the phenomenology of cyborg senses

Authored by: Vitor M. Lima

The Routledge Handbook of Digital Consumption

Print publication date:  September  2022
Online publication date:  September  2022

Print ISBN: 9781032329598
eBook ISBN: 9781003317524
Adobe ISBN:

10.4324/9781003317524-5

 Download Chapter

 

Abstract

While prior consumer research considered human sensorial experiences that are psychologically and culturally well defined, this study explores the undefined, unknown, and undertheorized phenomenology of cyborg senses. Due to cyborgian additions or enhancements, such as microchips and magnets implants, some cyborgs can listen to colors, others sense magnetic fields, and others even feel lunar seismic activities. Conjugating Merleau-Ponty’s notion of embodiment with transhumanism and cyborgs literature, this chapter presents the sensorial experience of four prominent cyborgs. For their cyborgian being-in-the-world, they must design new sensorial organs, adapt to their inorganic body parts, acquire new habits, and live at risk of losing such a sensoriality. The contribution of this chapter is, first, to provoking discussions of transhumanism and cyborgs and, second, to expanding research on consumer embodiment.

 Cite
Search for more...
Back to top

Use of cookies on this website

We are using cookies to provide statistics that help us give you the best experience of our site. You can find out more in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.