Life extension and the burden of mortality : Leon Kass versus John Harris
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Medical Ethics
Publication Date
5-1-2014
Volume
40
Issue
5
First Page
336
Last Page
340
Publisher
B M J Group
Keywords
Attitudes Toward Death, Enhancement, Research Ethics, Technology/Risk Assessment
Abstract
Some bioethicists have questioned the desirability of a line of biomedical research aimed at extending the length of our lives over what some think to be its natural limit. In particular, Leon Kass has argued that living longer is not such a great advantage, and that mortality is not a burden after all. In this essay, I evaluate his arguments in favour of such a counterintuitive view by elaborating upon some critical remarks advanced by John Harris. Ultimately, I argue that nothing substantial has been said by Kass to undermine the desirability of life-extending technologies.
DOI
10.1136/medethics-2013-101438
Print ISSN
03066800
E-ISSN
14734257
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2014 BMJ Publishing Group
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Sauchelli, A. (2014). Life extension and the burden of mortality: Leon Kass versus John Harris. Journal of Medical Ethics, 40(5), 336-340. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101438