Ability and Disability in the Posthuman Era: Insights from Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach

This study aims to reconstruct the concepts of ability and disability within the context of the Posthuman era, offering a new theoretical framework centered on Amartya Sen’s capability approach. Traditionally, ability has been defined based on physical and mental completeness, while disability has been regarded as a state of individual deficiency. However, the Posthuman era, emphasizing interactions among humans, technology, and the environment. calls for a multidimensional and relational perspective on these concepts. Sen’s capability approach highlights the importance of the functions and freedoms necessary for individuals to lead lives they value, providing a framework for rethinking each concept. Building on Sen’s theory, this study defines disability not merely as a deficiency but as a restriction of capabilities and reinterprets it as a complex phenomenon shaped by the interactions among humans, technology, and the environment. This research analyzes the impact of technological advancements in the Posthuman era - particularly artificial intelligence, cyborg technologies, and genetic engineering - on the notions of human ability and disability. Furthermore, it explores the implications of this redefinition for special education and social policies. By redefining ability and disability with the lens of Sen’s capability approach, this study suggests the directions to design a more inclusive and equitable system for special education.