superhuman

Superhuman is an adjective used to describe abilities or performances that exceed normal human capacity. It often appears in fiction to portray heroes with powers beyond ordinary limits, but it can also describe exceptional real-world feats in sports, arts, or science.

Etymology and usage: From Latin super- "above" and humanus "human," the term has a long history in philosophy and literature. In contemporary discourse, it is frequently used in discussions of enhancement and transhumanist ideas.

In culture and media: Characters described as superhuman typically exhibit enhanced strength, speed, senses, or healing. The term is common in comics, cinema, and video games, where it signals a departure from ordinary human limitation.

Science and ethics: In biomedical contexts, attention to superhuman capabilities centers on human enhancement technologies such as gene editing, neurotechnology, prosthetics, and performance augmentation. Debates focus on safety, equity, consent, identity, and potential societal consequences.

See also: Transhumanism, Human enhancement, Augmentation.

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