About the book
In The Evolution of Death, the follow-up to Becoming Immortal: Combining Cloning and Stem-Cell Therapy, also published by SUNY Press, Stanley Shostak argues that death, like life, can evolve. Observing that literature, philosophy, religion, genetics, physics, and gerontology still struggle to explain why we die, Shostak explores the mystery of death from a biological perspective.
Death, Shostak claims, is not the end of a linear journey, static and indifferent to change. Instead, he suggests, the current efforts to live longer have profoundly affected our ecological niche, and we are evolving into a long-lived species. Pointing to the artificial means currently used to prolong life, he argues that as we become increasingly juvenilized in our adult life, death will become significantly and evolutionarily delayed. As bodies evolve, the embryos of succeeding generations may be accumulating the stem cells that preserve and restore, providing the resources necessary to live longer and longer. If trends like this continue, Shostak contends, future human beings may join the ranks of other animals with indefinite life spans.
Editions of The Evolution of Death
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780791469453
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780791469460
- PDF
- ISBN 9780791480816
Read an Excerpt
In The Evolution of Death, the follow-up to Becoming Immortal: Combining Cloning and Stem-Cell Therapy, also published by SUNY Press, Stanley Shostak argues that death, like life, can evolve. Observing that literature, philosophy, religion, genetics, physics, and gerontology still struggle to explain why we die, Shostak explores the mystery of death from a biological perspective.
Death, Shostak claims, is not the end of a linear journey, static and indifferent to change. Instead, he suggests, the current efforts to live longer have profoundly affected our ecological niche, and we are evolving into a long-lived species. Pointing to the artificial means currently used to prolong life, he argues that as we become increasingly juvenilized in our adult life, death will become significantly and evolutionarily delayed. As bodies evolve, the embryos of succeeding generations may be accumulating the stem cells that preserve and restore, providing the resources necessary to live longer and longer. If trends like this continue, Shostak contends, future human beings may join the ranks of other animals with indefinite life spans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Evolution of Death about?
In The Evolution of Death, the follow-up to Becoming Immortal: Combining Cloning and Stem-Cell Therapy, also published by SUNY Press, Stanley Shostak argues that death, like life, can evolve. Observing that literature, philosophy, religion, genetics, physics, and gerontology still struggle to explain why we die, Shostak explores the mystery of death from a biological perspective.
Death, Shostak claims, is not the end of a linear journey, static and indifferent to change. Instead, he suggests, the current efforts to live longer have profoundly affected our ecological niche, and we are evolving into a long-lived species. Pointing to the artificial means currently used to prolong life, he argues that as we become increasingly juvenilized in our adult life, death will become significantly and evolutionarily delayed. As bodies evolve, the embryos of succeeding generations may be accumulating the stem cells that preserve and restore, providing the resources necessary to live longer and longer. If trends like this continue, Shostak contends, future human beings may join the ranks of other animals with indefinite life spans.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Evolution of Death?
Mathematics and Science > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Genetics (non-medical)
Where can I read a sample of The Evolution of Death?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791469453
How long is The Evolution of Death and how many pages does it have?
The Evolution of Death has 260 page(s)
Is The Evolution of Death part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Philosophy and Biology
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Evolution of Death?
Stanley Shostak
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Evolution of Death is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791469453) and paperback(ISBN 9780791469460) and pdf(ISBN 9780791480816)
Where can I buy The Evolution of Death online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Evolution of Death from below
Where can I buy The Evolution of Death?