While there are many who worry that life extension can bring in its wake untoward social and economic consequences that is not the concern of these thinkers. They seem to believe that efforts to extend life or to modify the physical changes associated with aging are inherently wrong--not due to consequences but because they place in jeoperdy are ability to enjoy life. The value of life and experience, according to Kass, derives from its finitude. Moreover it is simply vain and self-centered--unvirtuous--to seek to live longer and longer lives.
These arguments have gained much attention. But, they are deeply
flawed. The presentation will review their claims, examine their
cogency and offer a critique that defends the moral propriety of
seeking to live longer and to reduce the burdens associated with
aging.
Key words:
finitude, ethics, life-extension
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