This unit in theological anthropology explores possible responses to transhumanism, antihumanism and posthumanism, each of which poses challenges for Christian understandings of the human person. It will critically explore classical philosophical and theological discussions on the nature of the ‘soul’ and the mind/body distinction and revisit them in the face of rapidly developing human enhancement technology, the increased capacities of artificial intelligence, and the use of technology to enhance and prolong human life.
Unit code: CT9149B
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Eva Burrows College
Show when this unit is running1. | Analyse the manner in which long-standing questions in theological anthropology are given new salience in the face of developing human enhancement technology. |
2. | Critically explore and articulate a range of ideas about human nature both within and beyond the Christian tradition. |
3. | Provide a well-developed theological response to the claims of Transhumanism, Posthumanism and Antihumanism. |
4. | Respond theologically to the ethical questions raised by the extension of human capacity and of the human life span. |
Postgraduate: prerequisite unit – 800 level unit in Theology. May be completed as part of a suite of units in Futurism including CT8128B / CT8728B Futurism and Theology and CT9139B / CT9739B Imagined Futures in Popular Culture.
Engagement with the writings of both classical and contemporary theologians, set alongside scholarly literature on human enhancement technology, utilising online pedagogy and engagement with a range of guest specialists.
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Essay - Essay | 3000 | 50.0 | |
Critical Review - Review of article | 2500 | 20.0 | |
Oral Presentation - Class presentation | 2000 | 30.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 6 Jul, 2020
Unit record last updated: 2020-07-06 16:16:15 +1000