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The Right and Wrong of Growing Old: Assessing the Argument from Evolution
1Institute for Science & Ethics, University of Oxford, Suite 8, Littlegate House, 16-17 St. Ebbes St, Oxford, OX1 1PT UK.
Philosophy & Technology
|February 12, 2013
Summary
Enhancing human biology, particularly slowing aging (senescence), is often opposed due to unknown evolutionary functions. However, this argument is invalid for senescence, as aging traits are products of evolutionary neglect, not intent.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Gerontology
- Human enhancement
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding unintended consequences of human biology enhancement due to incomplete understanding of evolved functions.
- This argument is frequently applied to interventions aimed at slowing or reversing human aging (senescence).
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the argument that incomplete knowledge of evolved functions precludes safe human biology enhancement, specifically in the context of aging.
- To demonstrate that the evolutionary basis of senescence differs fundamentally from other human traits.
Main Methods:
- Review of the biological processes constituting senescence.
- Analysis of evolutionary biology arguments concerning the origins of aging traits.
- Examination of prudential arguments against enhancement in the face of uncertainty.
Main Results:
- Aging (senescence) comprises a collection of unrelated traits.
- These senescence traits are characterized as products of evolutionary neglect rather than deliberate evolutionary design.
- The argument for caution based on uncertainty is rejected, even for human senescence.
Conclusions:
- The argument against human biology enhancement based on incomplete understanding of evolved function is not applicable to senescence.
- Senescence traits evolved through neglect, making them distinct from traits shaped by evolutionary intent.
- Prudential reasons to avoid enhancement despite uncertainty do not hold for interventions targeting senescence.
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