A Discussion Piece Related to:
Life Span Extension Research and Public Debate: Societal Considerations by Aubrey D.N.J de Grey.

Abstract

Aubrey de Grey's enthusiasm may or may not be infectious, but it is certainly palpable. And it adds a dimension to the discussion the priority that should be given to life-extension/anti-ageing research of which he seems to be unaware. For on the cusp of developments in emerging technologies we find ourselves button-holed by enthusiasts whose ``transhumanist" visions importunately press upon us the most radical understanding of their implications. My suspicion is that the transhumanist mini-insurgency is partly responsible for the general failure of the policy establishment to summon up the courage and vision to address the implications of emerging technologies at all. The insurgents' effort at ``branding" these technologies as transhumanist (like that of the Raelian flying-saucer cult, a decade ago, to claim cloning as their own) does no favors to the technology. The irony is that de Grey and his fellow-visionaries, far from generating consensus enthusiasm for emerging technology applications, are making them too hot to handle.

Recommended Citation

Cameron, Nigel (2007) "Preserving Humanity - and Technology? A Response to de Grey," Studies in Ethics, Law, and Technology: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1, Article 11.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/selt/vol1/iss1/art11