Scientists have 'moral duty' to help us live beyond 100

Scientists have 'moral duty' to help us live beyond 100
By Mark Henderson, Science Correspondent

HUMANITY has a “moral duty” to pursue scientific research that could enhance intelligence and allow people to live well beyond 100 years as a matter of routine, according to an expert on medical ethics.
John Harris, Professor of Bioethics at the University of Manchester, will argue tomorrow that the human race has not only the right but the responsibility to embrace contentious technologies such as genetic engineering and drugs that improve mental capacity.

The moral imperative to extend human life for as long as conceivably possible, and to improve its quality by artificial means, is no different from the responsibility to save lives in danger of ending prematurely, Professor Harris will say. Any technology that can achieve this should be actively pursued.He will spell out his controversial position in Tomorrow’s People, the Princeton Lectures organised by the James Martin Institute for Science and Civilisation at Oxford University. His views will stir fresh debate about the ethics of medical technologies that aim not simply to restore normal functions that are impaired by disease or injury, but to improve basic natural capabilities.

Full story.