TOWARDS LONGER LIVES: THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF LIFE EXTENSION BY CALORIE RESTRICTION AND CALORIE RESTRICTION MIMETICS

A significant reduction in calorie intake, known as calorie restriction (CR), has been shown to increase lifespan in a wide variety of animal subjects. If these results translated to humans, CR, or CR mimicking drugs (CRMs) could substantially increase human lifespans. This project examines the social and ethical implications of extending lifespans using CR and CRMs. The thesis is in three parts. Part I looks closer at the empirical questions about CR and CRMs, and in particular the issue of whether results from animal studies would translate to humans. I argue that although the evidence is far from conclusive, there are grounds to think that CR could slow ageing and extend lifespan in humans. Part II examines the implications of prolonging lifespan for individual welfare. I argue that historical and philosophical objections to life extension on the grounds of individual welfare are unsuccessful against CR. CR itself may have some undesirable effects, although these are due to the stringent diet and are unlikely to apply to CRMs. Part III discusses the social impact of CRMs, assessing potential modes of distribution, as well as common ethical objections to life extension on the grounds of fairness and social welfare. I claim that it would be fair and feasible for public health services to distribute CRMs. Moreover, concerns about the demographic impact of longer lives can be mitigated. Overall, I claim that CR and CRMs are compatible with, and could further, values that are significant for individuals and societies.