At the Borders of the Human
Explore the intriguing questions surrounding human identity in At the Borders of the Human by Susan Wiseman. Published by Palgrave Macmillan in 1999, this thought-provoking work spans 269 pages and delves into the complexities of what it means to be human. Wiseman examines how Renaissance technologies of difference, including mapping, colonialism, and anatomy, not only defined humanity but also revealed the connections between human and non-human entities.
Through a philosophical lens, the book investigates 'border creatures' such as hermaphrodites, wildmen, and cyborgs, alongside 'border practices' like science, surveying, and pornography. This interdisciplinary approach invites readers to reconsider the boundaries of human existence and the implications of these distinctions in contemporary society. Perfect for those interested in philosophical anthropology, this first edition is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced interplay between humanity and its diverse counterparts.