Medical imaginaries and the future horizons of consciousness physiology in the work of Stanisław Lem Cover Image

Medical imaginaries and the future horizons of consciousness physiology in the work of Stanisław Lem
Medical imaginaries and the future horizons of consciousness physiology in the work of Stanisław Lem

Author(s): Carlos Hugo Sierra
Subject(s): Polish Literature, Philosophy of Science, Health and medicine and law
Published by: Associazione Italiana Polonisti (AIP)
Keywords: Stanisław Lem; neuroscience; human intelligence; neuromodulation technologies; bio-enhancement;

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses some of the most significant aspects of the exploratory adventure around the physiology of consciousness which the Polish writer Stanisław Lem provides in his science-fiction novels and essays. It is argued that the onto-epistemological and ethical problems associated with the complex mind-brain relationship, the sophisticated medical intervention devices that involve neuronal communication, and the challenges that humankind faces in view of the physical and intellectual evolutionary advance largely determine Lem’s perspective, which is shown to lie between fantastic inventiveness and plausible foresight.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 39-53
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English