Exploring Post human Subjectivity in the Select Novels of Iris Murdoch

Abstract

        This paper approaches to study Iris Murdoch’s select novels on Posthumanism. Posthumanism is a philosophical and cultural perspective that explores what it means to be human in the context of evolving technology, biology, and society. It challenges traditional human-centric views by considering how advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybernetics might reshape our understanding of humanity. Iris Murdoch is remembered as one of the most influential British novelists of the 20th century. Her work continues to be studied for its unique blend of philosophical depth and literary craftsmanship. Murdoch's novels, such as The Sea, The Sea, The Bell, The Black Prince and Under the Net, showcase these themes, creating rich tapestries of character and narrative that explore the depths of human experience. Her novels are known for their rich, multi-layered narratives and psychological depth, often incorporating elements of philosophy and existential thought.  Iris Murdoch indirectly addresses the concept of posthumanism in her works, as the term and its theoretical frameworks were developed more prominently after her time. However, her philosophical and literary work provides valuable insights that can be related to discussions of posthumanism. This paper surveys how Murdoch's exploration of love, particularly in its capacity to expand one’s perspective beyond selfish concerns, can be seen as relevant to posthumanism's ethical considerations. Posthumanism often involves rethinking ethics in the context of new technologies and entities, and Murdoch’s emphasis on selflessness and moral attention might contribute to these discussions.