On Transhumanism. A Socio-legal Approach beyond T-800 and The Replicant with Reference to Arendt and Aristotle

Abstract Hannah Arendt, with her teleological concept of human action, places the individual at the centre of politics, in the sense that politics can only be the result of bringing into play all his or her capacities. For Aristotle, the human condition has three attributes: the animal, the social and the spiritual. The debate on transhumanism cannot be limited exclusively to the possibilities of improvement that such a philosophical movement can bring to society. It has deeper implications that require taking into consideration the very nature of the human condition as developed by Arendt and the imperishable Stagirite. The T-800 in the film “Terminator” (USA 1984) and the Replicant in “Blade Runner” (USA 1982) are both expression of the projection of human anxiety about the effects of the relationship between culture and technology as well as antithetical expressions of a possible future evolution of the android. Only a clear understanding of what constitutes human nature through reflection on its most unique capabilities will enlighten us in judging whether the enhancements of transhumanism can be considered beneficial or dangerous in the future.