Humanizing the Transhumanism: Humanistic Force in Philip K. Dick’s Martian Time-Slip

Abstract

The thesis projects the transhumanistic approach to studyPhilip K. Dick’s novelMartian Time-Slip. It takes thecomparative study of humanism andtranshumanism and proves that excess use of technology or tendency oftranshumanism has brought negative impactsin society rather than positiveimplications. Humanism is the study of human powerthat focuses on humancreativity and capacityover the invisible and supernatural power. As the humanpower increased, human beingsstarted using technology in such a way that theymultiplied their power with the use of ultramodern technology. However, the use ofsuch technology hasbecome excess now so that human beingsfully depend on themachines leaving aside the human power. In the beginning of humandevelopment,the invention of technology was like the blessings. As the time passed it becameproblematic to humanism. As a result of excessive use of technology, the thoughtreversed back to dependency on others like past. In the past, humans depended ongodor invisible power, again in the modern era they depended on machines lesseninghuman power. Philip K. Dick’s Martian Time-Slip tells the story of human power goingbeyond imagination. The modern people have migrated to Mars and performed theirextraordinary activities there. The novel presents the character like Arnie Kott andJack Bohlen who like to make a device for communicating with the nonverbal,autistic child, Manfred Steiner. They do not think that he can be treated with humancommunication.It is an example of dependency of the people on machines. Thenative Martians, Bleekmen, recognize the flexibility of time and understand the valueof Manfred's gifts although the colonists debate the value of keeping abnormalchildren alive.