Twenty-second International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Kazuo Ishiguro, the Japanese-British laureate of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature, is renowned for his nuanced exploration of the human condition through the prism of science fiction. In his distinguished novels, “Klara and the Sun” and “Never Let Me Go,” Ishiguro explores the profound impacts of technology on human nature and societal structures. These narratives foster critical discussions on the role of technology in shaping our lives, drawing attention to the complex power dynamics at play among various societal actors. Ishiguro employs phenomenological feminism to critique the assumed neutrality of technology, presenting it as a force imbued with social and emotional significance. He acknowledges the benefits of technological advancements while also voicing concerns over the uncertainties and anxieties they bring about the future. Through these stories, Ishiguro illuminates the ways in which technology molds his fictional worlds, underscoring the necessity of preserving core human values amidst rapid technological change. His work serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, asserting its primacy over the artificial confines of a technologically dominated world, and invites readers to reflect on maintaining humanity’s essence in the face of relentless progress.