Exam 19: Taking Stock of the Risks of Life Without Death

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One of Gorman's arguments for the theoretical possibility of living an immortal life without becoming insurmountably bored is that as humans, we have the capacity for infinite growth and learning. He suggests that with an eternity ahead of us, we could continually find new interests, hobbies, and pursuits to keep us engaged and fulfilled. Additionally, he argues that our ability to form deep and meaningful connections with others could provide ongoing sources of joy and fulfillment, preventing us from succumbing to boredom.

The strongest counterargument against this is the concept of diminishing returns. While it is true that humans have the capacity for growth and learning, it is also possible that over an infinite lifespan, the novelty and excitement of new experiences could diminish. Eventually, it may become increasingly difficult to find new interests or experiences that provide the same level of fulfillment, leading to a sense of ennui and boredom.

On the other hand, Gorman also argues that for many people, an immortal life without insurmountable boredom is not possible due to the finite nature of human experience. He suggests that even with the potential for growth and learning, there may come a point where individuals feel they have exhausted all possible experiences and pursuits, leading to a sense of existential ennui and dissatisfaction.

The strongest counterargument against this is the idea that human desires and interests are constantly evolving. While it may be true that individuals could reach a point of feeling they have exhausted all possible experiences, it is also possible that new desires and interests could emerge over time. Additionally, the potential for technological advancements and societal changes could continually introduce new possibilities for fulfillment and engagement, making it possible for individuals to avoid insurmountable boredom even over an infinite lifespan.