Ethics of Life Extension - Coffee and Chat

Join us for coffee and a discussion of all things longevity.

Whether it’s the first time you’ve heard of rejuvenation, a scientist who can share your knowledge, or you have concerns over what life extension could mean to society – everyone is welcome!

Rough agenda (but it’s really not that formal):
10:30 arrival and catch up
10:40 longevity news – Adrian will highlight recent science research and industry investments
10:50 focus on Ethics of Life Extension – see below
11:30 general longevity discussions

Meet in the large seating area on the first floor – so grab a coffee from the entrance booth or buy a drink from the bar upstairs. There is a lift, though other Meetup groups have reported occasional problems with it, so if you need it then we suggest phoning ahead just to make sure it is working.

FOCUS TOPIC - Ethics of Life Extension
Rather than talk about the (really exciting) science behind longevity treatments, this meetup will focus on the ethics of living longer.

There are many practical and moral arguments against life extension, though some of these may stem from a “pro-ageing trance” which helps us cope with the (current) inevitability of death. Some of these viewpoints risk slowing down the progress of true age-reversing therapies if political parties worry about losing votes, or investors think there won’t be the demand for the products being produced their companies. So let’s chat about a few of them.

The 3 most common arguments against living radically longer that I come across are these:

• Overpopulation – how will the planet cope?
• Only the rich will get it – will longevity treatments broaden current inequalities?
• Immortal dictators – what will prevent people being in perpetual control?

We can focus on those, and can discuss others (e.g. boredom, death gives life meaning) if we have time, otherwise I can arrange another event to focus on them.

Come along with whatever thoughts you have, or, if you want to think about more in advance, then I can recommend this free bonus chapter from Andrew Steele’s Ageless - https://andrewsteele.co.uk/ageless/ethics/a-world-without-ageing/

I’ll be wearing and/or brandishing something with the Live Forever Club logo on it – so keep an eye out for that and head on over.