Exploring the transformative shift in how we understand life, technology, and our place in the world
AI Ethics
Dronology
Becoming Alien
Posthumanism
Imagine a future where humans are no longer the central actors on Earth's stage. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes decisions, drones reshape warfare, and the very idea of "being human" is evolving into something new—a concept philosophers call the posthuman. This isn't science fiction; it's a transformative shift in how we understand life, technology, and our place in the world. From climate crises to AI ethics, the posthuman lens challenges the centuries-old belief that humans are exceptional and entitled to dominate nature, machines, and others 2 7 . In this article, we explore the rise of posthumanism, its connection to AI and dronology, and the provocative idea of "becoming alien"—a leap into reimagining identity, equality, and our global future.
Posthumanism is a philosophical framework that questions human exceptionalism—the idea that humans are superior to animals, machines, and ecosystems. It emphasizes:
AI is often developed with a human-first mindset, aiming to enhance human agency and control. But this approach risks replicating outdated power dynamics. For instance, AI algorithms can perpetuate biases by prioritizing data that reflects dominant cultural norms, erasing minority experiences 8 .
Reinforces a "master-slave" logic, where humans command non-human entities 2 .
AI could be designed to respect diversity, embody ethical values, and operate as part of an ecological system rather than a human tool 8 .
Dronology—the study and use of drones—exemplifies posthuman themes in military technology. Drones transform soldiers into remote operators, blurring the lines between human and machine, combatant and observer 5 . This shift raises critical questions:
Can AI-driven drones make life-or-death decisions ethically?
Drone technology creates a fantasy of "invulnerable" soldiers, yet it often relies on racialized and gendered biases in targeting 5 .
Direct human engagement, physical presence on battlefield
Introduction of drones, remote operation with human decision-making
AI-assisted targeting and decision-making, blurred human-machine boundaries
Fully autonomous systems, minimal human intervention
The concept of "becoming alien" encourages humans to rethink their identity by connecting with the "other"—whether machines, animals, or marginalized communities 9 . In Afro-futurism, for example, the alien represents those treated as "outsiders" on Earth, such as Black communities 9 . By "becoming alien," we challenge rigid definitions of humanity and explore solidarity across boundaries.
Seeing AI and robots as partners rather than tools
Recognizing the consciousness and rights of non-human animals
Embracing perspectives from those historically excluded
A 2024 study engaged high school students in dialogues about AI, ethics, and posthumanism using the World Café model, a participatory research method 6 .
Ensures democratic knowledge production by involving communities as co-researchers 6 .
Analyzes technologies (e.g., drones) as environments that shape human behavior 4 .
Promotes inclusion and diversity in AI development 8 .
Theorizes identity as fluid, exploring human-animal-machine hybrids .
The posthuman isn't about the end of humanity—it's about a new beginning. By embracing interconnectedness, critiquing human-centric design, and "becoming alien," we can tackle urgent issues like climate change, AI ethics, and inequality 7 9 . As one researcher notes, posthumanism invites us to be "stewards rather than masters" of our world 7 . The journey beyond the human starts with a single question: What if we are not the center of the universe, but part of a cosmic web?