Manthat

Manthat is a fictional term used in speculative fiction to denote a human-like agent or entity that embodies the tension between human agency and technological mediation. It is often employed to explore questions of identity, autonomy, and social power in settings shaped by advanced technology.

Etymology and usage vary by author. The word is commonly treated as a compound neologism blending 'man' with a demonstrative or abstract element, or as a clipped form of a title. In some works, Manthat denotes a singular figure; in others, it designates a category of beings with shared traits.

In narrative use, Manthat can function as a protagonist, a collective term, or a metaphor for the blurred boundaries between human minds and machines. Descriptions emphasize altered perception, memory, or control, and plotlines often hinge on ethical questions surrounding augmentation and surveillance.

Variations of the concept appear across genres and media, reflecting differing concerns about technology, including autonomy, power, and the nature of consciousness. Critics note that its flexible meaning allows it to adapt to multiple worldbuilding contexts.

Related concepts include cyborgs, posthumanism, transhumanism, and artificial intelligence.