Philosophical question (Elysium and Bicentennial Man Spoilers)

[Renew Deal]

I saw Elysium and it brought up some questions. The movie is set approximately 145 years in the future. There is a machine available that will cure any disease, affliction, ailment, etc. It can take an unhealthy person and make them healthy. If someone dies before being "treated" it's over. But if they're alive they can be saved. This is not covered in the movie, but a person may be able to live forever.

If a machine became available some day that would allow people to "live forever" or extended life well over 100 years, should it be used? What would a world be like where people never die? What would life be like for people that could live for a very long time?

This reminded me a little bit of bicentennial man, though I think in that case it was a robot that had "feelings" and saw everyone around them pass on.

[quinnox]

1. I saw the movie

About the questions, should it be used? Yea, I don't see why not. What would life be like to be near immortal? No one knows, it would definitely be interesting though to find out. Presumably, in a society with this kind of technology, there would be space travel and perhaps other planets colonized. So I don't think space or over-population would be an issue. If you meant that was not an option in the scenario, and the world would become hopelessly over populated, then I suppose some science fiction classic stories and themes would come into effect, where there would be a lotto system or some other means where the population would be thinned by force.

[Oakenshield]

2. It depends...

Is this technology available for all? If it's only available to the elite few, I'd say no. Bad enough we have to suffer treasonous parasites like the Koch brothers without them being capable of living forever.

[Renew Deal]

3. Did you see the movie (more spoilers)

Because...


That was one of the core issues.

[Oakenshield]

4. I haven't yet.

But I was under the impression this thread was presenting a hypothetical that didn't necessarily follow the plot of the movies mentioned. Merely inspired by them.