Coming to terms with the present: Critical theory and critical posthumanism in contemporary German science fiction

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The past forever afflicts the German present, hindering its progression and development. This is a reminder of Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer’s claim that civilization is only ever a thin veneer, straining to hold back the full assault of and the impending return to barbarism. For Adorno and Horkheimer, only art makes it possible to express disdain, discomfort, and distress with current societal conditions, while at the same time encouraging possible paths toward a state of utopia. This chapter argues that this idea of critical theory is connected to critical posthumanism and future conceptions of humanity. In analyzing contemporary science fiction novels by Reinhard Jirgl and Dietmar Dath, this chapter presents two viewpoints in how to address this ever-present past hindering a radically new future to evolve. The chosen texts specifically analyze the human condition and its current developments in a landscape marked by converging technologies, technological progress and development, but also political, socioeconomic, social, and cultural transformation. This chapter discusses the intersections between critical posthumanism and critical theory, before embarking on an in-depth analysis of the texts to demonstrate how these theories are applied.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNew Perspectives on Contemporary German Science Fiction
EditorsLars Schmeink, Ingo Cornils
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Chapter8
Pages171-186
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9783030959630
ISBN (Print)9783030959623
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameStudies in Global Science Fiction
ISSN (Print)2569-8826
ISSN (Electronic)2569-8834

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