Posthumanism, related to
transhumanism, is the belief, study, or promotion of the idea
that the human form is self-limiting.
Posthumanists seek to get beyond the natural bounds of the body.
Posthumanists promote
artificial intelligence,
nanotechnology, biomachines,
and other technologies whose goal it is to blur the distinction
between humans and machines.
Some may see this as dystopian, but posthumanists themselves see it as
a natural extension and consequence of the human desire for self-improvement,
and consider those opposed to be Luddites.
Posthumanism is a common theme in early 21st century science fiction.
See also http://www.vcn.bc.ca/web-prophet/trans.htm