Leading Geneticist: Humans Getting Dumber

[Galeongirl]

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

Well, when you start applying this logic with the handicapped, mentally retarded, blind, sick, etc, things get a little uncomfortable.
Darwin would have had no problem with any of this. He wasn't interested in a 'Darwinian Society', as aren't virtually all evolutionary biologists

Originally Posted by IWasBored

Right. It wasn't to be taken entirely seriously, and it also applied more toward the persistently vegetative and otherwise terminal patients who (and it's always the extremely religious families, big surprise) still expect everything to be done to prolong their bed-bound, non- verbal states. Otherwise you're bordering a little too closely to...genetic cleansing? Is that a name for it? And that's where things get creepy. The majority of evolutionary biologists out there aren't insane, irrational human beings with theses that are half origin of the species, half mien kampf. That would be ridiculous for so many reasons.

Both of you are correct of course. It's a thin line we'd walk when deciding on other people's lives.

But to be honest, people like IWasBored talks about, the 'vegetables', what life do they have? They have a body, but that's about it. No conscious mind, no chance they ever will. I know this will be considered ethically wrong and won't make me popular here, but to me that is a waste of money and bed space just because the family isn't willing to say good bye. That person has 0% chance of ever getting up and function normally again, why do you keep hanging on instead of moving on with your life? Being struck in grief years after years has got to take its toll on people as well.

Yes, if I ever get into a permanent coma, I'd want the plug to be pulled. I already stated that to my family if it ever happens.

[Pearl]

Originally Posted by Galeongirl

Both of you are correct of course. It's a thin line we'd walk when deciding on other people's lives.

But to be honest, people like IWasBored talks about, the 'vegetables', what life do they have? They have a body, but that's about it. No conscious mind, no chance they ever will. I know this will be considered ethically wrong and won't make me popular here, but to me that is a waste of money and bed space just because the family isn't willing to say good bye. That person has 0% chance of ever getting up and function normally again, why do you keep hanging on instead of moving on with your life? Being struck in grief years after years has got to take its toll on people as well.

Yes, if I ever get into a permanent coma, I'd want the plug to be pulled. I already stated that to my family if it ever happens.

I actually agree with you. I feel it is immoral to leave a person in a vegetative state just because a machine can keep them breathing. It also isn't right for the loved ones to be left in limbo over whether that person will wake up or not. But it is their choice.

[Jive Turkey]

Even worse than being a vegetable is having Locked-In Syndrome. Basically, you appear to be in a vegetative state, but are fully aware. Sometimes years or decades go by before it is properly diagnosed. Fuck that

[corianderstem]

Originally Posted by the iron horse

-Internal combustion engine / How does it work?

-Microwave oven / How does it work?

- Fuckin' magnets / How do they work?

[cobl04]

Originally Posted by corianderstem

- Fuckin' magnets / How do they work?

I don't wanna talk to a scientist / y'all motherfuckers lying and getting me pissed

[Galeongirl]

Originally Posted by corianderstem

- Fuckin' magnets / How do they work?

Is TIH a mormon?


But I'm glad you guys see my point. Jive, that is pretty horrific indeed. But it's another slippery slope, as, even if your brain is fully functional, wouldn't it be absolutely horrible to live on without a functioning body or ability to communicate? I'm not sure if I could live with that, oh the irony, as you'd have no way to end it yourself without your body!

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by Galeongirl

Is TIH a mormon?


But I'm glad you guys see my point. Jive, that is pretty horrific indeed. But it's another slippery slope, as, even if your brain is fully functional, wouldn't it be absolutely horrible to live on without a functioning body or ability to communicate? I'm not sure if I could live with that, oh the irony, as you'd have no way to end it yourself without your body!

Oh no, my point was that it would be the most horrible existence imaginable. Please smother me with the pillow if I ever get that way

[Galeongirl]

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

Oh no, my point was that it would be the most horrible existence imaginable. Please smother me with the pillow if I ever get that way

Likewise!