Human Cyborgisation: Social and Cultural Aspects

Abstract

The author of this article presents human cyborgisation as a paradigmatic shift in the evolution of Homo Sapiens, in which the integration of technology into the human body not only alters physical capabilities but also reshapes social and cultural landscapes. The paper examines a few current narratives surrounding the cyborgisation of the human and explores their implications for human identity, agency and, more generally, 'the human'. Drawing on several interdisciplinary sources, including the philosophical writings of contemporary scholars and the legal discourse on the specific situation in Slovenian jurisprudence, the author analyses an engineering-pragmatic narrative focused on human progress and enhancement and a cultural-humanist narrative based on the discourse on the preservation of human dignity and autonomy. The study also considers a biological-evolutionary perspective, which sees cyborgisation as one illustration of adaptability and a tool for human cognitive enhancement. Through this analysis, the author seeks to illuminate some facets of the complex interplay between technological progress and the social system within which modern humans exist, and to contribute to the debate on the role of cyborgisation in the ongoing development of humanity.