Stephen Cave unpacks the ethical and practical problems of living forever. He highlights ongoing research in anti-aging and the potential societal and ecological catastrophes that could follow if humans were to achieve immortality.
Stephen weighs the individual’s desire for immortality against social implications, and the potential exacerbation of social injustices. The discussion also addresses technological possibilities like consciousness uploading and the philosophical implications of personal identity, memory, and morality.
The conversation navigates the complexities of life extension technologies, questioning the nature of what it means to live a meaningful life.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Immortality Debate
00:27 Exploring the Possibility of Living Forever
01:57 The Ethical Dilemmas of Immortality
05:03 Addressing Overpopulation and Societal Collapse
07:26 The Underpopulation Counterargument
09:09 The Philosophical and Practical Aspects of Life Extension
11:23 Space Colonization: A Feasible Solution?
13:01 The Ethical Quandary of Life Extension Pills
19:04 Addressing Social Justice in the Context of Immortality
24:30 The Boredom Argument Against Immortality
28:08 Exploring the Infinite Possibilities of AI and Immortality
28:26 The Philosophical Dilemma of Immortality and Ennui
30:26 Considering the Ethics and Legality of Suicide
31:12 The Rationality of Suicide in an Immortal Life
32:44 The Sorites Paradox and Life Extension
34:02 The Practical Challenges of Life Extension Policies
34:58 Dystopian Scenarios in Immortality and Central Planning
37:27 The Concept of Personal Identity and Immortality
40:38 Consciousness Uploading: A Dystopian Idea?
45:23 Personal Identity, Memory, and Augmentation
49:01 The Philosophical Exploration of Ennui and Meaninglessness
53:00 Immortality in Mythology and the Quest for Novel Experiences
54:58 Reimagining Immortality and Embracing Finitude


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