Question 1

The boredom objection to the desirability of immortality

Accepted Answer

A)  Is obviously correct. 
B)  Is obviously incorrect. 
C)  Is really a dilemma: given immortality, you'll either become bored or become a different person. 
D)  Is the subject of an immensely popular subgenre of soap operas. 
A)  Is obviously correct. 
B)  Is obviously incorrect. 
C)  Is really a dilemma: given immortality, you'll either become bored or become a different person. 
D)  Is the subject of an immensely popular subgenre of soap operas. C

Question 2

In what sense does Mitchell-Yellin suggest one might continue to care about an immortal life?

Accepted Answer

A)  Eager anticipation of its consummation 
B)  Continued emotional investment in it 
C)  Divine intervention 
D)  None of the above 
A)  Eager anticipation of its consummation 
B)  Continued emotional investment in it 
C)  Divine intervention 
D)  None of the above B

Question 3

What are some of the reasons listed in the chapter for why people have thought immortality would not be desirable, other than the ones having to do with personal identity. What are the reasons mentioned for thinking these worries are not seriously problematic. Having listed some of the considerations on both sides of the issue, explain what you think about the desirability of immortality. Might it be worthwhile? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Some of the reasons listed in the chapter for why people have thought immortality would not be desirable, other than the ones having to do with personal identity, include the potential for boredom, the fear of losing a sense of urgency or purpose in life, and the concern about overpopulation and resource depletion.

However, the chapter also mentions reasons for thinking these worries are not seriously problematic. For example, it argues that with an infinite amount of time, individuals would have the opportunity to explore and pursue an endless variety of interests and activities, thus mitigating the potential for boredom. Additionally, it suggests that individuals could find new sources of purpose and meaning in an immortal existence, and that technological advancements could address concerns about overpopulation and resource depletion.

Considering both sides of the issue, the desirability of immortality is a complex and subjective matter. On one hand, the idea of living indefinitely and having the opportunity to experience and accomplish an unlimited number of things is undeniably appealing. Immortality could potentially allow for the fulfillment of long-held dreams and the pursuit of knowledge and experiences beyond what is currently possible in a finite lifespan.

On the other hand, there are valid concerns about the potential drawbacks of immortality, such as the risk of monotony and the loss of a sense of purpose. Additionally, the ethical and practical implications of an immortal population would need to be carefully considered, including the impact on resources and the environment.

Ultimately, whether immortality is worthwhile is a deeply personal question. For some, the idea of endless life may hold great appeal, while others may find the concept daunting or even undesirable. It is important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as the broader societal implications, when considering the desirability of immortality.

Question 4

According to the narrative view of personal identity

Accepted Answer

A)  You cannot live forever. 
B)  Your life is like an autobiography. 
C)  Homer did not write the Odyssey. 
D)  All of the above. 
A)  You cannot live forever. 
B)  Your life is like an autobiography. 
C)  Homer did not write the Odyssey. 
D)  All of the above.

Question 5

One version of the argument that immortality would undermine identity focuses on

Accepted Answer

A)  One's ability to know who one is. 
B)  One's ability to fit on a shelf. 
C)  The idea that aging is like a disease. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  One's ability to know who one is. 
B)  One's ability to fit on a shelf. 
C)  The idea that aging is like a disease. 
D)  None of the above

Question 6

Mitchell-Yellin contends that arguments for the claim that immortality would undermine individuality ignore

Accepted Answer

A)  The cardinality of infinity. 
B)  The genius of Joni Mitchell. 
C)  The importance of our expectation that we will one day die. 
D)  The role of history. 
A)  The cardinality of infinity. 
B)  The genius of Joni Mitchell. 
C)  The importance of our expectation that we will one day die. 
D)  The role of history.

Question 7

What is the narrative view of personal identity? And how does it appear to conflict with the desire for immortality? Sketch the two related, yet distinct worries about how immortality would undermine personal identity covered in this chapter. For each worry, explain why you do or do not find it convincing, making reference to the considerations provided in the chapter.

Accepted Answer

The narrative view of personal identity

Exam 18: How to Live a Never-Ending Novela

The boredom objection to the desirability of immortality

In what sense does Mitchell-Yellin suggest one might continue to care about an immortal life?

According to the narrative view of personal identity

One version of the argument that immortality would undermine identity focuses on

Mitchell-Yellin contends that arguments for the claim that immortality would undermine individuality ignore

Defining Death

Defining Death in a Technological World

We Die When Entropy Overwhelms Homeostasis

What It Is to Die

The Tragic Sense of Life Excerpts

Can We Survive Our Deaths

The Possibility of an Afterlife

Letter to Menoeceus

Two Arguments for Epicureanism

Why Death Is Not Bad for the One Who Dies

Death Is Bad for Us When Were Dead

Making Death Not Quite As Bad for the One Who Dies

On the Nature of Things Excerpts

If You Want to Die Later, Then Why Dont You Want to Have Been Born Earlier

Coming Into and Going Out of Existence

The Epic of Gilgamesh Excerpts

The Story of the Man Who Did Not Wish to Die

Taking Stock of the Risks of Life Without Death

Immortality, Boredom, and Standing for Something

Death, Mortality, and Meaning

Fitting Attitudes Towards Deprivations

The Enchiridion Excerpts

Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion Excerpts

Voluntary Death Excerpts

Letter to Lucilius

Why Grieve

The Significance of Future Generations

Death and Survival Online

Whether One Is Allowed to Kill Oneself Excerpts

Of Suicide Excerpts

Suicide Is Sometimes Rational and Morally Defensible

Suicide and Its Discontents

An Irrational Suicide

World As Will and Representation Excerpts

Death in Mind

Meaning in Life in Spite of Death

Out of the Blue Into the Black

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