Reconceptualising the Human: Exploring Critical Posthumanism in Select Novels of A. E. Van Vogt, Don Delillo and Olaf Stapledon

In 21st-century fiction, digitalization and globalization shatter the once-united front of Humanism. Haraway's cyborg resonates across narratives that question human ontology under biopolitics, genetic engineering and machine learning. Here, the line between fact and fiction collapses; the proud pillars of instrumentalism, exceptionalism and exclusivism topple. We see instead a human as a porous, hybrid node-constantly fusing, merging, metamorphosing with nonhuman others: cyborgs, interstellar travelers, superhuman intelligences.

Critical Posthumanism does not merely dethrone man from his anthropocentric throne; it redefines him. By deconstructing the self and rewriting the definition of 'human, ' it forces us to stare into the abyss of our own becoming-no longer isolated sovereigns, but ever evolving composites of flesh, metal and code, marching toward futures we can scarcely imagine.

This journey into Critical Posthumanism is not merely an academic pursuit-it is a meditation on the transformation of human existence in an increasingly interconnected, technologically saturated world. By engaging with the thinkers and narratives that shape this discourse, we step into the unknown, where humanity dissolves and reforms in ways we are only beginning to comprehend.

Dr. Aishwarya Mishra serves as a distinguished member of the English faculty at Lokanath Mahavidyalaya in the vibrant town of Kendrapara, Odisha, India. She earned her Ph.D. from Ravenshaw University in Cuttack. Dr. Mishra's scholarly expertise is deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary field of Environmental Humanities, where she explores the intricate connections between literature and ecological consciousness. Additionally, she delves into the complexities of Postmodern Literature, unraveling its layers with keen insight. Her academic contributions are substantial, with numerous research articles gracing esteemed journals and a variety of insightful papers presented at prominent conferences, all reflecting her profound knowledge and passion for these subjects.

Dr. Gurudev Meher, a distinguished translator and academic, is an Associate Professor in the PG Department of English at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha. With over fifteen years in academia, he excels in postcolonial criticism, diaspora studies, and translation. His research is published in prestigious journals worldwide. Educated at Utkal University and Ravenshaw University, Dr. Meher has taught for more than eighteen years across various colleges in Odisha. His passion for literature and translation is evident in his work on diasporic writing and translating Odia novels into English, bridging cultural narratives and reaching a wider audience. His notable translations include The Changeover, the English version of Surendra Mohanty's Kalantara, and Night in the Metropolis and Other Stories, both published by Bloomsbury Publishing and Black Eagle Books in 2019 and 2023, respectively. These works highlight his skill in preserving Odia literature's essence for global readers.