Vida artificial: El cíborg, representación posmoderna de nuestras ansiedades

Abstract

Within the context of postmodernity, the cyborg emerges as a new image of the modern automaton. Within this study, we will deal with this new being that, unlike the robot, has a human appearance and is emotionally autonomous. Taking into consideration this last feature, the cyborg represents an increased anxiety, since it blurs the borderline between human and machine. Throughout specific examples of cyborgs in literature and film, we will try to delimit this borderline and analyse the anxieties caused by the transgression of this limit. The cyborg is a new figuration of the imagined consequence of the interdependent relationship between man and machine. We fear not only the loss of control of technology, but also the loss of humanity.