Identity, prudential concern, and extended lives.

Walter Glannon

doi:10.1111/1467-8519.00285

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Identity, prudential concern, and extended lives.

Walter Glannon

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Abstract

Recent advances in human genetics suggest that it may become possible to genetically manipulate telomerase and embryonic stem cells to alter the mechanisms of aging and extend the human life span. But a life span significantly longer than the present norm would be undesirable because it would severely weaken the connections between past- and future-oriented mental states and turn the psychological grounds for personal identity and prudential concern for our future selves. In addition, the collective effects of longer lives might lower the quality of life for all people. These two problems provide reasons against genetic manipulation of cells to alter the length of the human life span.

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Aging Attitude to Death Ethical Analysis Genetic Enhancement Humans Life Longevity Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical Morbidity Personhood Public Policy Quality of Life Social Change Stem Cells Analytical Approach Death and Euthanasia Genetics and Reproduction Philosophical Approach Journal Article

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Walter Glannon. 2002. Identity, prudential concern, and extended lives.. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8519.00285

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