Leon Kass Ambiguity

For many, death is not an easy topic. There are those who find the ambiguity of what occurs in the afterlife frightening and some others who fear that death will cut their lives short before they fulfill their destinies. In an almost subconscious fashion, mankind has leaned on medical technologies to help deal with the ambiguity of the afterlife. Biotechnology has emerged as the premiere form of medical technology that enables mankind to further try to resist mortality. With the development of biotechnology, people are able to fight illnesses and other harms which also help decrease their chances of dying. Those with illnesses that may have brought their lives to an end years ago can now receive treatment that will allow them to live longer. Leon Kass, author of Life, Liberty and the Defense of Dignity, devoted chapter 9 of his book to engaging the discussion of humanity’s pursuit of immortality through medical technologies. In this chapter, Kass challenges that this use of medical technology is not a good idea. Kass seems to believe that, mankind abuses biotechnology as it has now become a means to distance humanity from death. For Kass, the distancing of death is

For Kass and anyone else who agrees with this notion to take this approach to the argument, they must truly believe that is so. Recognizing mortality as a blessing is arguably a potential solution to the ambiguity of the afterlife. I do believe that this argument may be more accepted amongst those that have some religious faith that believes there is an afterlife. For those who do not believe in a higher power and/or an afterlife, this may be difficult to grasp. Kass’ argument is not comprehendible to those who do not submit to a higher power. The usage of blessing suggests something that is more endearing to a Christian than it is to an atheist. This is a challenge to understanding Kass’ argument from various