The Ethics of Human Life Extension: The Second Argument from Evolution

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Human Longevity Research

Background:

• The pursuit of radical human life extension faces ethical objections.
• A key concern is that increased longevity may diminish the human species' capacity for evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the empirical and ethical claims of the argument against life extension based on reduced evolvability.
• To assess the potential consequences of decreased species evolvability.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of ethical arguments.
• Exploration of potential biological and cultural mechanisms affecting evolvability.
• Evaluation of the moral implications of reduced evolutionary potential.

Main Results:

• Radical life extension could, in principle, reduce human population evolvability via biological and cultural pathways.
• Reduced evolvability poses risks including increased susceptibility to extinction.
• It may also negatively impact well-being institutions and impede moral progress.

Conclusions:

• The argument that life extension reduces evolvability warrants serious consideration.
• The potential negative consequences for species survival, well-being, and moral advancement suggest that reduced evolvability is morally undesirable.