In the Search for Replaceable Hearts How do Everyday Cyborgs Feel?

Centre for Medical Science and Technology Studies, University of Copenhagen, is happy to announce the following guest lecture:

Dr Gill Haddow: In the Search for Replaceable Hearts How do Everyday Cyborgs Feel?

October 9, at 14:00 – 15:00, in room 10.0.11 at CSS, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, building 10.

Everybody is welcome!

After the talk there will a chance to engage in further conversation with Dr. Haddow

Abstract:
Lived experience is mostly embodied experience. In this presentation I want to ask how helpful it is to compare the experiences of those who have been ‘mechanically implanted’ with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) with those who have been ‘organically transplanted’ with human materials. After considering what such research might say to issues of identity and control; of experience and performativity; of form and function, I speculate on whether or not the term ‘everyday cyborg’ is a useful label to identify those who are organic-mechanical hybrids pondering why we may be reluctant to use the term? I suggest investigation into the experience and sensation of embodiment as well as into the social stratification of ‘everyday cyborgs’ demonstrates not only form (what) and function (purpose) but who receives such implant leads one to theorise about a possible ‘beings-in-a-socially-structured-world’ pace Merleau-Ponty ?

This is part of a wider Welcome Trust awarded project called ‘Animal, Mechanical and Me: The Search for Replaceable Hearts’ which seeks to understand narratives of integration as well as development of technological augmentations, specifically ICDs, to the human body.