The Royal Institution - Could science abolish death? - with Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston
The speaker discusses the possibility of extending human life by abolishing death through advanced preservation techniques and future medical technologies. The idea is based on the premise that if people could maintain good mental and physical health indefinitely, many would choose to live longer. The speaker highlights the progress in medical technology over the past century and speculates on future advancements, such as artificially grown organs and potential cures for diseases like cancer. The concept of cryonics is introduced, where individuals are preserved at low temperatures until future technologies can potentially revive them. The speaker also discusses the philosophical implications of defining death and personal identity, suggesting that as long as a person's connectome (the unique structure of their brain) is preserved, they are not truly dead. The talk concludes with a discussion on the potential societal and ethical implications of abolishing death, emphasizing the importance of creating a future where descendants would want to revive preserved individuals.
Key Points:
- Abolishing death involves preserving individuals until future medical advancements can revive them.
- Surveys show many people would choose to live longer if assured of good health.
- Cryonics involves cooling and preserving bodies to halt decay until revival is possible.
- Personal identity is tied to the brain's connectome, not just biological activity.
- Future societal willingness to revive preserved individuals is crucial for this concept's success.
Details:
1. Introduction and Radical Proposal 📚
- The speaker is honored to present at a venue where many scientific heroes have spoken before, establishing credibility and respect for the audience.
- The material discussed is derived from the speaker's new book 'The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death', which presents a radical proposal to challenge the inevitability of death.
- The book argues for the potential of scientific and technological advancements to significantly extend human life, positioning it as a critical discourse in contemporary science and ethics.
- The speaker aims to engage the audience in rethinking traditional perspectives on mortality, encouraging a paradigm shift in how society approaches aging and death.
2. Exploring Lifespan Choices ⏳
- Lifespan choices include options from a typical 85 years to potentially unlimited periods, reflecting a range of preferences and technological possibilities.
- Choosing a lifespan prompts introspection about personal desires and ethical considerations surrounding lifespan control.
- A typical lifespan in western countries is around 85 years, but options extending up to 150 years are being considered due to advancements in healthcare and technology.
- These choices raise questions about the implications for society and individuals, especially concerning quality of life, resource allocation, and ethical dilemmas.
- Considering an unlimited lifespan invites discussions about existential implications, societal roles, and the individual's purpose over an extended period.
3. Health, Aging, and the Will to Live 💪
- Approximately 50% of individuals prefer a lifespan of around 85 years, but when assured of good mental and physical health, many shift their preference to longer life spans, with some opting for 120 years, 150 years, or even unlimited life.
- More than half of those initially favoring a lifespan of 85 years change their preference to a longer lifespan when promised indefinite good health, showing health's crucial role in lifespan decisions.
- The predominant choice, given the promise of everlasting good health, shifts to living indefinitely, indicating a strong desire to extend life beyond current norms.
- This trend is mirrored in terminally ill individuals who also express a desire for longer life if health is guaranteed, underscoring a universal inclination to extend life when health is assured.