This unit in theological anthropology explores possible responses to Transhumanism and Posthumanism, both of which poses challenges for Christian understandings of the human person. Various kinds of antihuman sentiment will also be explored. 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 (Minor revision)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Delivery Mode: Online
Proposing College: Eva Burrows College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Critically explore the manner in which long-standing questions in theological anthropology are given new salience in the face of developing human enhancement technology. |
| 2. | Assess a range of ideas about human nature that lie beyond or challenge the Christian tradition and bring them into critical dialogue with the Christian tradition. |
| 3. | Provide a nuanced theological response to the claims of Transhumanism and Posthumanism. |
| 4. | Provide a critical theological response to the ethical questions raised by the extension of human capacity and of the human life span |
| 5. | Assess the commonalities and distinctions between the 'human extinction' movement and both eco-theology and animal theology. |
Prerequisite: 24 points in CT
Engagement with the writings of both classical and contemporary theologians, set alongside scholarly literature on human enhancement technology, utilising online pedagogy.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation - Class presentation | 2500 | 30.0 | |
| Essay - Essay | 5000 | 70.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 20 Jun, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-06-20 12:05:13 +1000