Finding the Fountain of Youth
Greenwood Press (Verlag)
978-1-4408-3798-2 (ISBN)
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.
Aharon W. Zorea, PhD, is full professor of history at the University of Wisconsin–Richland.
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
| Erscheinungsdatum | 01.06.2017 |
|---|---|
| Sprache | englisch |
| Maße | 178 x 254 mm |
| Gewicht | 1049 g |
| Themenwelt | Naturwissenschaften |
| Sozialwissenschaften ► Soziologie | |
| ISBN-10 | 1-4408-3798-8 / 1440837988 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-4408-3798-2 / 9781440837982 |
| Zustand | Neuware |
| Haben Sie eine Frage zum Produkt? |
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