Identity Transformations

4 :: POSTHUMAN IDENTITY

1. Posthumanization of identity in the sense of extensity: for example, the sweep
   of scientific and technological transformations such as biotechnology,
   bioinformatics, robotics, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology throughout
   the rich North and beyond.


2. Posthumanization of identity in the sense of intensity: the re-grooving of the
   psychic make-up (affect, desire, fantasy) of individuals as a result of creative,
   reflective engagements with posthuman technical forms and systems.


3. Posthumanization of identity in the sense of social acceleration: the speed
   of transformations, especially arising from information-based technologies,
   rewriting the connections between human intelligence and nonbiological
   intelligence.


4. Posthumanization of identity in the sense of impacts: for example, the diffusion
   of posthuman scientific and technological developments across identities and
   associated fields of agents and social practices.

These are some of the core structures and dynamics that are affecting transformations of
identity in the age of posthumanism. While there are, at present, no clear answers to the
many issues and dilemmas arising from such transformations, there can be little doubt
that posthuman identities present social theory with a fresh challenge. It is my view that if
a theory of posthuman identities has value at all, it needs to be one that engages with the
life-changing processes I have sought to review and analyse in this chapter.