Transhuman in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. Space Marines Adeptus Astartes

The article examines the ideal of the transhuman in the Warhammer 40,000 (WH40K) universe, as embodied by the Space Marines (Adeptus Astartes), one manifestation of the author's broader concept of transhuman space. The image of the Adeptus Astartes as transhuman is problematized, and the concepts of “posthuman” and “human” within WH40K fandom are also examined. To achieve this aim, the study pursues the following objectives: (1) to define the concepts of “human,” “transhuman,” “posthuman,” and “transhumanism”; (2) to investigate the nature of the transhuman Space Marines in the WH40K space-opera universe; (3) to draw conclusions regarding the continuity between contemporary humans and the WH40K transhuman. To this end, comparative and critical approaches are employed. The WH40K fandom's conception of the transhuman is examined through the lens of transhumanist philosophy. Transhumanism is a philosophy, worldview, and international movement that advocates advancing human evolution through science and technology, as well as overcoming the four certainties of human existence: suffering, disease, senility, and death. The transhuman Space Marine is examined with respect to his augmentations, implants, and interfaces. The transhuman is positioned as an intermediate stage in the transition from human to posthuman. The article presents the results of a pilot sociological survey incorporating elements of in-depth interviewing and involving fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The study concludes that the WH40K transhuman does not correspond to the “spirit and letter” of transhumanism for three reasons: (a) it implies the emergence of a new form of social inequality; (b) it represents a militaristic model that is inapplicable in peacetime; (c) it excludes women from consideration.