Author and gerontologist Aubrey de Grey believes that ageing is a medical problem that we should solve, and not an existential condition we should see as inevitable.
His controversial work has attracted worldwide attention, but as he tells The State We're In, the technology to eliminate the ageing process may well be within reach.
Link - Aubrey is Chief Science Officer at the SENS Foundation.
Video - Aubrey speaking at TEDMED 2009:
This story was taken from the latest edition of The State We're In - A matter of life and death
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Aubrey is just trying to make a point and yest when I read the replies people seem offended.
I heard this interview on my local NPR affiliate (KUOW) today. I agree that de Gray sounded egotistical.
I was appalled to hear errors in de Gray's reasoning, and appalled that he would use those errors to manipulate the opinion of the interviewer.
Error #1
To say
"one can’t rule out the possibility that something could happen"
is not to say that
"one must rule in the possibility that something could happen."
It simply means that the possibility can’t be determined.
Error #2
To try to make someone feel bad because of their beliefs or assertions
is not proof that
one's own beliefs or assertions are correct.
That's simply emotional blackmail.
I hope the show runs a follow-up about this man.
Thanks, Louise, for your comments. Just to clarify: our goal in having Aubrey on wasn't to debate the scientific soundness of his claims. From where we stand, he has achieved enough notice in and around scientific circles to justify our talking to him about his story, his quest, his search for what you could call immortality. Of course, he has his critics, some quite unforgiving, within the scientific community. We interviewed Aubrey because he embodies an ancient yearning to live forever, and because he was thought-provoking. Judging from the number and intensity of responses we got to that interview, he was a good guest to have on. Greg Kelly, Editor TSWI.
I listened to this interview several days ago. I remember thinking how gracious Jonathan was to agree to Aubrey's demand that Jonathan commit to "being first in line" in the event Aubrey's beliefs demonstrate credibility. The other thing I noticed was how important it was to Aubrey that he be acknowledged as the "expert". Sounds like the egoic mind to me and ego driven initiatives usually don't end well.
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