Technology has rapidly progressed since the Industrial Revolution in the medical, political and environmental fields. It has become an element that is essential and unavoidable at the present time....Show moreTechnology has rapidly progressed since the Industrial Revolution in the medical, political and environmental fields. It has become an element that is essential and unavoidable at the present time. Although technological enhancements have their positive influences, there is the reality of negative consequences tied to this progression. The recurring debates regarding positive and negative influences of technology on society is still prevalent. These concerns and consequences have been reflected and portrayed in numerous science fiction series and films. This includes the popular British series, Doctor Who, which explores the consequences and concerns tied to technological enhancements. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the manner in which Doctor Who presents the dire consequences tied to technological enhancements within the posthumanism and transhumanism frameworks. The social and ethical notions are challenged by presenting technology at its most extreme. This is done by analyzing the recurring villain, the Cybermen, who are the epitome of the fusion between man and machine. The analysis is based on episodes both from the Classic Who era and the NuWho era to provide a detailed insight into the changes the Cybermen have undergone, and the manner in which they reflect the cultural zeitgeist. The study discovered that the representation of the Cybermen challenge the notions of posthumanism and transhumanism. The increasingly blurred boundaries between man and machine are a realistic, albeit fictional concern resulting in the prevalance of the debate concerning the rapid progression of technological enhancements.Show less
