포스트휴먼 시대의 윤리의식 비전: 메릴린 로빈슨의 『길리어드』

Abstract

This paper examines a posthuman ethical vision in Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead, because this novel represents a new imaginative Utopian prospect. She maintains posthuman attitude, in reconsidering the meaning of humanity and sustaining the human nature at this point of time when transhuman prophets declare the ‘end of humankind’ and insist the application of unfettered enhancement technology. As an epistolary writing to give the wisdom of life to his 7 year-old son, Gilead is Reverend John Ames’ memoir about the intertwinements and reconciliation of his father and grandfather in their intricate past, sharing the cleric lives as the Congregational pastors in Gilead, Iowa. The father-son relationship is repeatedly described in a symbol of the Communion as the means of sanctification. As the Prodigal Son, Jack Boughton’s return challenges Ames to perform forgiveness. Finally Ames reconciles with Jack as his true affectionate son, forgives and blesses him, finding the beauty and goodness in him through the eye of God. This novel represents Robinson’s prophetic vision, how the novel can contribute to the conversation with bioethics. This novel suggests an alternative to Transhuman dominant vision that tries to transform human nature. Robinson’s theologically aesthetic viewpoint shows the opposition against propelling the rapid biotechnology revolution. While Transhumanists want to evolve biologically, Posthumanists want to preserve the principle of human nature and to perform its own inner change of the human conscious. Robinson’s solution to ‘what is human’ can be found in sanctification of the dailiness. She emphasizes that humans can lead their good lives when they keep hope for the telos, see it and cooperate with others. With the gradual technology development, she suggests that humans should search for the futuristic values through practicing the love for the neighbor and making the community towards coexistence.