Posthuman transformation in ancient mediterranean thought : Becoming angels and demons

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Litwa, M. David. (2021). Posthuman transformation in ancient mediterranean thought : Becoming angels and demons Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108921572
AuthorsLitwa, M. David
Abstract

There is not just a desire but a profound human need for enhancement - the irrepressible yearning to become better than ourselves. Today, enhancement is often conceived of in terms of biotechnical intervention: genetic modification, prostheses, implants, drug therapy - even mind uploading. The theme of this book is an ancient form of enhancement: a physical upgrade that involves ethical practices of self-realization. It has been called 'angelification' - a transformation by which people become angels. The parallel process is 'daimonification', or becoming daimones. Ranging in time from Hesiod and Empedocles through Plato and Origen to Plotinus and Christian gnostics, this book explores not only how these two forms of posthuman transformation are related, but also how they connect and chasten modern visions of transhumanist enhancement which generally lack a robust account of moral improvement.

Keywordstransmigration, moral and ethical aspects; philosophy, ancient; angels; demonology; self-realization
ISBN9781108843997
9781108926058
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108921572
Page range1-196
Publisher's version
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All rights reserved
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Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
OnlineDec 2020
Print2021
Publication process dates
Deposited22 Jun 2021
Year2021
PublisherCambridge University Press
Place of publicationCambridge, United Kingdom
New York, NY
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