Format:
1 Online-Ressource (408 pages)
Edition:
1st ed
ISBN:
9798400651410
Content:
Separating truth from hype, this book introduces readers to the topic of life extension in a holistic manner that provides scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives. While the story of 16th-century explorer Juan Ponce de León futilely searching for the Fountain of Youth is likely a myth, it is true that for many centuries, mankind has sought "a cure for aging." Today, the anti-aging and longevity industry is a multibillion-dollar industry, and medical advances are continuing to find ways to add to our time on earth. Finding the Fountain of Youth: The Science and Controversy behind Extending Life and Cheating Death introduces readers to the topic of life extension in a holistic manner, examining the topic through scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives. It also highlights key medical and ethical controversies related to this particular area of gerontology and serves as a gateway for further research and study. The book's chapters address the history of movements to remain youthful, from ancient times through the modern era; past medical advances that significantly extended the average lifespan; and our cultural obsession with "staying young" that has spawned the anti-aging industry. Readers will learn about basic principles of aging and anti-aging, as well as the science behind the methods-both proven and hypothetical-that serve to extend the lifespan. The final section of the book examines controversial issues and debates related to life extension, such as global overpopulation, length of life versus quality of life, and socioeconomic concerns
Note:
Acknowledgments Introduction The Many Faces of Antiaging and the Fountain of Youth The Skeptics The Layout of the Book SECTION ONE: The History of Antiaging from Myth to Modern Science: A Chronological History of an Ide Chapter 1: Myth, Magic, and Folklore: Immortality in the Eras before Science The Story of the Story of the Fountain of Youth Death Defiance in Ancient Religious Mythology The Fountain in Secular Mythology Mythology in Precivilized Societies Conclusion Chapter 2: Changes in Religious Faith and the Rise of Antiaging Science Polytheism and the Eastern Religions Alchemy: The Strange Journey West The Specter of Immortality in the West Conclusion Chapter 3: Enlightened Aging The Belief in Progress Christian Humanism: From Hygiene to Alchemy to Natural Philosophy The Birth of Secular Science: From Overpopulation to Evolution and Freud Conclusion Chapter 4: Antiaging in the Industrial Age Progress and the Industrial Machine The Challenge to Progressivism The Return to Progressivism Conclusion Chapter 5: Antiaging in the 21st Century: From Theory to Practice Antiaging Techniques of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s Pathway to the Human Genome Project The War between Antiaging and Longevity Conclusion SECTION TWO: Modern Paths to the Fountain of Youth: A Topical Approach to the Practice of Antiaging Chapter 6: What Is Life, That We May Extend It? Traditional View: Religious Spirit Modern Evolutionary Biology View Balanced Overview Conclusion Chapter 7: What Is Death, That We Might Delay It? Basic Definitions Characteristics of Advanced Aging Theories of Aging Balanced Overview Conclusion Chapter 8: What Makes Us Look Younger? The Market for Youth Types of Antiaging Cosmetic Procedures Conclusion Chapter 9: What Makes Us Feel Younger? Successful Aging Thinking and Acting Younger Conclusion Chapter 10: What Kills Us (and How Can We Escape)? Age-related Conditions Age-related Diseases Conclusion Chapter 11: What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives without a Prescription? Defensive Biochemistry Lifestyle Changes Superfoods Antiaging Diets Supplements Conclusion Chapter 12: What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives with a Prescription and Future Technology? Proactive Biochemistry Future Technologies Conclusion SECTION THREE: Views from the Experts: An Anthology of Views on the Implications of a Successful Antiaging Movement from a Spectrum of Disciplines Question: Can Science Really Develop a Fountain of Youth? Yes-The prospect of eventually finding a scientific equivalent of the fountain of youth is possible, eventually. (João Pedro de Magalhães) No-The human life span is not easily adjustable, but longer lives of healthy living are possible. (S. Jay Olshansky) Question: Does Youthfulness Breed Recklessness? Yes-If society remains preoccupied by youthful lifestyles and neglects wisdom, it will breed recklessness. (Jill A. Rinzel) Maybe-Persistent youthful immaturity is determined by individuals' character, not age. (Gregory Nathan Johnson) No-An older population will likely result in more conservative behaviors. (Jeffrey Kleiman) Question: Will the Benefits of Very Long Life Spans Outweigh the Social Costs? No-The price of radical life extension is greater than mere money. (Nicholas Agar) No-The overemphasis on vitality will likely undermine the subtle nature of moral character. (Dale Murray) Yes-Extended life spans will not substantially change human nature. (Jeffrey Kleiman) Question: How Would a Successful Antiaging Technology Affect Faith? Jewish View-Immortality is promised by God, but only faith can secure it. (Rabbi Tuvia Bolton) Catholic View-The quest for life on earth distracts from the ultimate reality of life in heaven. (Bishop Robert Morlino) Islamic View-Mortal death is inevitable, and the promise of a fountain of youth is deceptive to both faith and man. (Amer Haleem) Protestant View-The fountain of youth attempts to substitute divine salvation with human salvation. (Rev. Louis Kinsey) Agnostic View-Extended life provides new opportunities for learning, rendering faith less necessary. (Jeffrey Kleiman) Atheist View-Religious faith suppresses the natural evolution that human technology promises. (Zoltan Istvan) References for Further Reading About the Author and Contributors Index
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Additional Edition:
ISBN 9781440837982
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9781440837999
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9798216084686
Language:
English
DOI:
10.5040/9798400651410
