Our Right to Life

[ribozyme]

wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2006/06/catman-cometh.html

"For all of its emphasis on enhancement, the true emotional core of transhumanism is a yearning for immortality. This desperate desire to defeat death made the eccentric and somewhat famous transhumanist anti-aging researcher, Cambridge professor Aubrey de Grey, the clear star of the conference. De Gray’s presentation was titled, ‘Our Right to Life.’ But his use of the phrase did not mean a right not to be aborted, euthanized, or executed. Rather, he claims we have a putative right not to die at all.

This is also instructive too.

ieet.org/index.php/IEET/HETHR_bios/degrey/

"In my talk I will consider whether our present caution concerning the wisdom of truly curing aging is likely to survive the increased scrutiny that it will receive in coming years as a result of biomedical advances. I will argue that it will not, because of its irreconcileability with values that are more deeply held by the large majority of humanity than any values that argue against the quest for a cure. Foremost among these is the view that humans have a right to live as long as they wish to. Once we realise this, our determination to consign human aging to history will be second only to our shame that we took so long to break out of our collective trance. "

So do you think we all have “a right to life”? Do you think that de Grey’s transhumanist perspective cherish and value human life?

BTW, what do you think will be the meaning of life if science somehow achieves immortality for humans? What role would religion have in our lives if we live in this putative epoch of human history? Or do you think this is a fantasy that conveys our species hubris and abjures rationality? I do not know if this is feasible, but this topic fascinates me as we all yen for immortality!

The relevant question: is it moral to pursue human immortality? Some such as Leon Kass argued that it isn’t.

 

[strngrnrth]

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BTW, what do you think will be the meaning of life if science somehow achieves immortality for humans? What role would religion have in our lives if we live in this putative epoch of human history?

The relevant question: is it moral to pursue human immortality?]()

The world will end one day. The universe will end, as well. Eternal life is in Jesus Christ, not in scientific advances.

 

[ribozyme]

In trying to inject some soul into science, Dr. Kass has found himself setting special value on the natural human cycle of birth, procreation and death. Just as he opposes most kinds of interference in reproduction, he is also against deliberate efforts to increase longevity. The proper goal of medicine, in his view, is to improve health, not to conquer death, which he sees as a necessary and desirable end. ‘‘The finitude of human life is a blessing for every human individual, whether he knows it or not,’’ Dr. Kass has written.

As he is well aware, opposing longevity is not an instant vote-getter among any constituency. In a speech at the Shalem Center in Jerusalem in May 2000, he noted that Jews, in accordance with the Jewish reverence for life and medicine, had been enthusiastic supporters of biomedical research but that he saw serious problems with ‘‘our beloved medical project, for all its blessings.’’

Unlike Roman Catholic moralists who hold to natural limits, Jewish commentators in the United States, Dr. Kass complained, ‘‘nearly always come down strongly in favor of medical progress and on the side of life – more life, longer life, new life.’’ But this attitude has helped make ‘‘victory over mortality’’ the unstated goal of modern medical science. With medicine’s increasing success, he said, ‘‘anything is permitted if it saves life, cures diseases, prevents death.’’

From the New York Times:

I do not know why Kass opposes extending human life. Does anyone on this message board share views sympathetic to Kass’ views? What does the Catholic Chuch has to say about radical life extension?

Note, Kass didn’t life extension is impossible; he said that if it is possible, we shouldn’t do it. Why? I do not understand why is it immoral to prevent suffering and death in the world?

The world will end one day. The universe will end, as well. Eternal life is in Jesus Christ, not in scientific advances.

Of course heat death of the universe will take its toll eventually.