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Essays on Infinite Lifespans
Some Problems with Immortalism. Immortality is an
inconceivably long time, after all. Should those wishing to
conquer death not just focus on extending the human life
span?
On the contrary, replies Marc Geddes. In his
Introduction to Immortalist Morality he develops an
argument from moral philosophy, grounding moral theory on
the human perception of death and the desire for immortal-
ity. Geddes also debunks the commonly held notion that our
mortality is what makes life worth living.
This leads us to the last essay in this section, which returns
to the first question raised by Chaplain Mellon: All this talk
of scientific immortality notwithstanding, why Should We
Fear Death? Australian writer Russell Blackford exam-
ines Epicurean and modern arguments concerning this issue.
His statement We should not console ourselves with false
reassurances about the supposed virtues of being mortal
brings a conclusion to this second section.