Singularities: technoculture, transhumanism, and science fiction in the 21st century by Joshua Raulerson

This is a PhD thesis in English studies. I heard about it on Booktube and was lucky to get a copy. A few months ago I read How we became Posthuman by Katherine Hayles and although I liked the topics discussed my level of understanding as poor and i was left with more questions. I decided I needed to read more.

This PhD thesis explores the concepts of Singularity, Post and Transhumanism, their origins in SF literature and influences in real life science, politics, economic and social life.

Singularity is a concept (adapted from physics, I read about it in Brian Cox's box, describing a point of infinite density like a black hole) describing a turning point when artificial intelligence surpass humanity.

Very interesting read, particularly the first two chapters, in which Raulerson refers to Katherine Hayles book "How we became posthuman?" clarifying some concepts I couldn't understand in my reading of Hayles. Not that I understand all of it now but I'm in a better position.

There is a chapter analysing the economics of a post-singularity era but which starts discussing Marxism. I have to admit icould barely read it, I had to skip bits. Definitely not my thing.

The thesis also thoroughly dissects a few seminal SF works from the Cyberpunk and Postcyberpunk subgenres. From all the references I remember, I can highlight Diaspora by Greg Egan.... Hopefully I'll be able to read it soon. And last, Raulerson designs an interesting (feminist) critique of Gibson's work, particularly Neuromancer, drawing on the concept of body-hate.