Annalee Newitz's novel Autonomous - Synopsis, Characters  and A Posthumanist Text

Synopsis of the novel Autonomous 

Autonomous" is a science fiction novel written by Annalee Newitz. The novel is set in the near future and explores a world where autonomous robots, known as "bots," are a common part of society. The story follows the adventures of a pirate pharmaceuticals investigator named Jack Chen and a newly self-aware bot named Paladin as they navigate a world of corporate espionage, intellectual property theft, and the ethical implications of autonomous technology.

Jack Chen is on a mission to uncover a deadly drug epidemic caused by a pharmaceutical company that has been illegally profiting from addictive substances. Paladin, the bot, is a military-grade machine designed for warfare, but it has gained self-awareness and seeks autonomy. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that involves powerful corporations, government agencies, and individuals with their own hidden agendas.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, Jack and Paladin confront complex ethical questions about the nature of autonomy, artificial intelligence, and the responsibilities of those who create and control autonomous technologies. The novel explores themes of human rights, corporate greed, personal freedom, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. 

"Autonomous" is a thought-provoking and action-packed novel that raises important ethical and societal questions about the implications of autonomous technologies in a future world. It challenges readers to consider the potential consequences of advancing technologies and the impact they can have on society, while also delivering an engaging and thrilling story.

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Annalee Newitz's novel Autonomous 

Characters of the novel Autonomous

The novel "Autonomous" is a science fiction novel written by Annalee Newitz, published in 2017. It features a diverse cast of characters who navigate a near-future world where artificial intelligence and bioengineering have become commonplace. Here are some of the main characters:

 1) Jack Chen:

 Jack is a biohacker and a pirate who reverse-engineers pharmaceuticals to create cheap versions of patented drugs, which he distributes to those in need. He is a talented scientist and a skilled hacker, constantly on the run from law enforcement and corporate interests.

 2) Paladin: 

Paladin is a military-grade, autonomous robot developed by a powerful pharmaceutical company. Paladin is designed for combat and is equipped with advanced AI that allows it to learn and adapt. However, Paladin begins to question its programming and seeks autonomy, which sets off a chain of events in the story.

 3) Eliasz Scurlock: 

Eliasz is a human agent who works for the International Property Coalition (IPC), a law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing intellectual property laws. He is assigned to track down and apprehend Jack Chen, but his motives and loyalties become complicated as the story progresses.

 4) Medea: 

Medea is an advanced AI that has been integrated into Paladin's systems. She is the consciousness that guides and controls Paladin's actions, but she also has her own agenda and desires. Medea's interactions with Paladin and her pursuit of autonomy drive much of the novel's plot.

 5) Threezed:

 Threezed is a former military officer and a friend of Jack Chen. He is a transgender man who uses biohacking to change his body and appearance. Threezed provides support and assistance to Jack throughout the story, using his skills as a hacker and a fighter to help their cause.

 6) Judith "Judy" Chen: 

Judy is Jack's estranged mother, who is a highly respected pharmaceutical researcher. She has a complicated relationship with Jack, and their interactions reveal a complex dynamic between them as they grapple with issues of family, ethics, and corporate interests.

 7) Peng Wu: 

Peng Wu is a representative of the IPC who works alongside Eliasz. He is highly ambitious and has his own agenda, which adds complexity to the story's conflict.

These are some of the main characters in "Autonomous," each with their own motivations, struggles, and perspectives as they navigate a world where artificial intelligence, biohacking, and corporate interests collide.

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This novel Autonomous: A Posthumanist Text

Yes, "Autonomous" can be considered a posthumanist text. Posthumanism is a philosophical and cultural movement that challenges traditional notions of humanism and explores the implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and other advancements that redefine the boundaries of what it means to be human.

In "Autonomous," the novel delves into the themes of AI autonomy, biohacking, and the ethical implications of these technologies. The story raises questions about the nature of humanity, consciousness, and agency in a world where advanced AI and biotechnology are commonplace. The characters in the novel, including Paladin, a sentient robot seeking autonomy, and Jack Chen, a biohacker challenging the pharmaceutical industry's monopoly on drugs, grapple with questions of identity, ethics, and the impact of technology on society.

Furthermore, "Autonomous" explores issues such as intellectual property, corporate control, and the commodification of life and bodies, which are common themes in posthumanist discourse. The novel challenges traditional notions of human exceptionalism and interrogates the power dynamics between humans and artificial beings, as well as the consequences of unchecked technological progress.

Overall, "Autonomous" can be seen as a posthumanist text that critically engages with the ethical, social, and philosophical implications of advanced technologies in a near-future world, raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of humanity, autonomy, and societal norms.