Reconceptualising the Subject-Citizen of Bildung in a Posthuman World: Rethinking the Promise of Higher Education

Abstract

We are, according to Braidotti (2013, p.2), already living in a posthuman worldPosthuman world and this has introduced a ‘qualitative shift in our thinkingThinking about what exactly is the basic unit of common reference for our species, our polity and our relationship to the other inhabitants of this planet.’ This chapter considers what this qualitative shift means in terms of reconceptualizing the subject-citizen of Bildung, and for rethinking the promise – that is, rethinking the aims and purpose – of higher educationHigher education as a posthuman project. The central argument is a posthumanist reconceptualization of the subject-citizen of Bildung is an ethical-political project committed to combating all modes of inequalityInequalitiesand aiming to promote more inclusive, socially just pedagogiesPedagogies in higher educationHigher education.