Cryonics

Cryonics: why it has failed, and possible ways to fix it

From: ExtroBritannia

Cryonics: Why it has failed, and possible ways to fix it – with Mike Darwin

The next ExtroBritannia event is scheduled for Saturday August 2, 2008; 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

Location to be announced asap.

Lead Speaker: Mike Darwin, President of Alcor Life Extension 1983-1988, Research Director 1988-1992. Described by Wikipedia as “Second only to Robert Ettinger as one of the most influential figures in the controversial field of cryonics”.

The talk will draw on the speaker’s extensive personal experience with cryonics – the low-temperature preservation of humans and other animals that can no longer be sustained by contemporary medicine, until such time in the future when resuscitation may be possible.

The talk will cover: the audacious ambition and vision of cryonics, practical details of how it works, a whistle-stop history of cryonics, issues with the governance of cryonics organizations, factors influencing public perception of cryonics, and reasons for both fear and hope for the future of cryonics.

Special attention will be given to the decline of cryonics in the UK and the failure of UK cryonics to establish a robust, full-service beachhead in Britain. The talk will also highlight what can be done to re-establish cryonics in the UK as a stable enterprise that will deserve the confidence of both its members and the public as a competent, high quality undertaking offering services which meet the highest ethical, scientific and biomedical standards.

The meeting is sponsored by the UK Transhumanist Association. There is no charge to attend. Join the debate!

Discussion is likely to continue after the event, in a nearby pub, for those who are able to stay.

There’s also the option of joining some of the UKTA regulars for drinks/lunch beforehand, starting c. 12.30, in a pub (to be announced). To find us, look out for a table where there’s a copy of Aubrey de Grey’s book “Ending Aging” displayed.

Venue: To Be Announced – somewhere in Central London