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Cryonics for all?

Authors :
Thau, Tena
Source :
Bioethics. Sep2020, Vol. 34 Issue 7, p638-644. 7p.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

In fascinating recent work, some philosophers have argued that it would be morally permissible and prudentially rational to sign up for cryonics—if you can afford the price tag of the procedure. In this paper I ask: why not share the elixir of extended life with everyone? Should governments financially support, positively encourage, or even require people to undergo cryonics? From a general principle of beneficence, I construct a formal argument for cryonics promotion policies. I consider the objection that a subset of these policies would violate autonomy, but I argue that—to the contrary—considerations of autonomy weigh in their favour. I then consider objections based on cost and population, but argue that neither is fatal. Finally, I raise the objection that I believe poses the most serious challenge: that those who revive the cryonically preserved might inflict suffering upon them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02699702
Volume :
34
Issue :
7
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Bioethics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
146341408
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12710