To Live or Not to Live: Answers from F. Bacon and I. Kant

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discover and clarify the connection between techno­logical life extension and euthanasia. First, the conditions under which euthana­sia may result from technological life extension are described. Next, a paradigm is defined within which these practices can be viewed as complementary. To ex­plain the specificity of the paradigm, two new European strategies for under­standing what it means to exercise power over nature are considered. The first strategy is F. Bacon’s view of euthanasia and life extension as a service to nature for the prosperity and painlessness of the organism. The second strategy is I. Kant’s view of life extension as control over natural inclinations, regulation of their strength to achieve the goals of reason, and the view of euthanasia as a renunciation of such power. The acceptability and appropriateness of using various strategies for assessing euthanasia that emerged in the New Age are ex­amined to develop an ethical assessment of euthanasia and technological life ex­tension in modern times.