Posthuman Explorations: Ethical Challenges and Dystopian Imagination in Kazuo Ishiguro's Fiction

This thesis explores how Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go and Klara and the Sun reflect the ethical challenges posed by a posthuman future. By examining the convergence of technological advancements such as cloning, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence, the research delves into how these innovations might shape a posthuman condition, questioning humanity's ability to ethically regulate and control such developments. The thesis argues that the egocentric tendencies of human nature make it difficult to prevent these technologies from dehumanizing individuals and challenging our understanding of morality and dignity. Moving beyond technological concerns, the thesis also considers the enduring elements of human nature, which remain integral even in a posthuman world. Through a detailed analysis of Ishiguro’s narrative techniques and storytelling, as well as his portrayal of identity, memory, and self-deception in An Artist of the Floating World and The Remains of the Day, the research highlights how Ishiguro’s works grapple with the complexities of what it means to be human. Combining both posthuman and human lenses, the thesis critically engages with Ishiguro’s dystopian visions, where technological advancements redefine the boundaries of humanity. In Never Let Me Go, the focus shifts to an exploration of the societal and ethical implications of cloning. The analysis examines how cloning technology leads to the systematic dehumanization of individuals who are reduced to mere biological resources. By drawing parallels to real-world historical events such as eugenics, slavery, and other forms of dehumanization, the research investigates the normalization of exploitation and questions how ethical boundaries might continue to erode in a future dominated by unregulated biotechnological progress. In Klara and the Sun, the thesis explores artificial intelligence and genetic engineering as key factors in shaping a posthuman world. The analysis delves into how advancements in AI, represented by Klara, challenge the traditional definitions of human autonomy and agency. By comparing the novel’s imagined future with current technological trends, the thesis examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI's increasing role in society and the potential for genetic enhancements to alter human cognitive abilities.