Dragons and Dog-Headed Saints: Some Medieval Perspectives on the Significance of the Human Form
Allison Hepola
There are striking parallels between contemporary Christian engagement with transhumanism and medieval interest in the so-called monstrous races: cyclops, pygmies, dog-headed people, headless people giant faces on their torsos, like. Several Christians, including Augustine, either believed that these creatures existed far-off corners of earth or at least countenanced possibility existence. Medieval Christians did not just view races as curiosities; they also considered theological implications such unusual creatures. Of particular was what existence might mean for questions human nature, original sin, divine providence, virtue. As grapple similar light transhumanism, can draw upon insights from races.