Rights, reform and resources : Malthusian reflections of scarcity and old age

In this study of the problems of rights and resources, I have explored an aspect of the sociology of human rights through a discussion of the likely consequences of any significant enhancement of human longevity. In particular, I have sought to distinguish among several types of questions. These are (1) can we survive forever? (2) can we live forever? and finally (3) ought we to live forever? The answer to the first question would appear to be, at least in common-sense terms, negative, but it is the case that with medical technology the lifespan of human beings could be radically extended. Most scientists believe that the claims of gerontologists like Aubrey de Grey about rejuvenation have little support from modern science and the future applications of his project are impractical. In any case, survival or mere existence as such has no real significance in moral terms. It comes with no moral baggage. Mere survival is not in itself virtuous, but rather a matter of luck in terms of what genetic legacy people happen to inherit. The struggle for longevity may be merely a product of a competitive consumer society characterized by excessive greed and individualism.