How many of us would not like our lives to be greatly lenghthened? Certainly it is the mission of medical science
to delay death as long as possible. Many religions promise eternal life after death, but what are the ethical considerations surrounding
immortality achieved through science and technology?
Sonia Harrison of Tech News World reports on a conference in San Diego where this topic was discussed. Aubrey De Grey proposed that there is an even chance of indefinite life spans being achievable, within three decades. Some others present, particularly religious scholars were not sanguine about the possibility. There were diverse views. Contrasting the Daoist and
technological approaches, Professor Shawn Arthur felt that the latter was wrong. Some Christian speakers thought that the search for immortality through technology is dangerous, because the fear of death keeps people moral. Other religious scholars were more positive. Professor Ron Cole-Turner was of the view that technological competition would force religions to clarify what they mean by immortality. The reporter is of the view that technology will gain from the ethical competition provided by religion.
Extremely long lives may be common in the future.Will it be a good thing? Maybe, maybe not.