"Death is not what it once was. The decline of acute death by infections, starvation, violence and heart attack has allowed people to reach extreme old age, but has ushered in disability, dementia and degenerative disease, with profound consequences for the self and society. The future of death is even more extreme, and constitutes one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. In chapters echoing Dante's nine circles of hell, Dr. Guy Brown explores these vital issues at various levels, from the cell, to the whole body, to society. He reveals that cell death is central to cutting edge biology and medicine, from embryo formation to cancer cures. He tracks the seismic shifts in the causes and character of death that are rocking medicine. And he reveals how technological innovations, such as cloning and electronic interfaces, hint at new modes of survival after death."--Jacket.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-269) and index.
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Contents
1. Beginnings and endings -- Interlude 1 : A brief history of death and damnation -- 2. The changing face of death -- Interlude 2 : The meaning of death -- 3. Kicking the bucket -- Interlude 3 : The search for immortality -- 4. Death is falling apart -- Interlude 4 : The immortals of Luggnagg -- 5. Losing your marbles -- Interlude 5 : The mortal soul -- 6. Digital self -- Interlude 6 : The fear of death -- 7. Cellular death -- Interlude 7 : When do we become old? -- 8. Aging -- Interlude 8 : Should death be resisted? -- 9. Immortality -- Postscript : And how should we die? -- References -- Index.