Discussions

Discussion Topic Emerson, Nietzsche, Bergson, and Kubrick all portray humanity as developing by means of education and self-overcoming, and Bergson and Kubrick portray this education and self- overcoming as intrinsically technological, so that the species develops by means of technological self-transformation. All four thinkers also portray humanity in its education as guided and shaped by great minds who serve as teachers: these teachers are the great geniuses of history, for Emerson and Nietzsche (allegorized in Nietzsche’s character of Zarathustra), and then for Bergson the teacher is the genius who guides humanity into transhumanization, and then for Kubrick the teachers are really the aliens who “educate” humanity by guiding them through transhumanization. All four thinkers also seem to define the species ideal as some kind of superhuman condition. Do you agree or disagree with the common outlines of this picture in Emerson, Nietzsche, Bergson, and Kubrick, about humanity educationally advancing by overcoming its limitations, guided by great and superior minds, and even transforming itself technologically to achieve the superhuman condition, as the realization of humanity’s natural potential? Why or why not?

Instructor Participation in Class Discussions -Comments make vividly clear references to relevant readings, course materials or prior posting being discussed. -no post should be shorter than 50 words, or 1 paragraph. -Comments display a complete understanding of concepts and demonstrate the ability to bring multiple concepts together in a well structured argument or example. -Comments are articulate and show a high level of thought and are reasonable and supported with evidence from the readings.