Altered Animals, Posthumanism, and Technology in Contemporary Narratives

Altered Animals, Posthumanism, and Technology in Contemporary Narratives incorporates critical posthuman theory to explore depictions of the “altered animal.” In the context of rapid developments in artificial intelligence, cloning, cybernetics, genetic engineering, and robotics, stories about technological interventions into animal bodies and environments provide critical insights into the cultural impacts of these technologies.

Bringing together posthumanism and animal studies in analyses of narratives from a range of genres and media formats, contributors explore how the identity of altered animals is constructed, how technological alterations impact the relationships between humans and nonhuman animals, and how critical posthumanism can provide insights into the perspectives of these animals. The collection demonstrates the intersecting technological and cultural factors that influence animal identity, the role that media and genre play in how audiences perceive altered animals, and how a posthumanist approach to these narratives can lead to more reflective and ethical engagements with altered animals.

This interdisciplinary volume will appeal to scholars and students in literary studies, animal studies, posthumanism, science and technology studies, and environmental humanities, as well as readers interested in the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.