In a world increasingly defined by rapid technological advancements and the relentless pursuit of extending human capabilities, the concept of immortality has emerged as a tantalizing prospect. Aubrey de Grey, a biomedical gerontologist and transhumanist, has introduced the Methuselah principle, which envisions a future where each new technological breakthrough extends human life further, culminating in a point where age-related illnesses become treatable and human beings can extend their lives indefinitely. While the prospect of theoretical immortality may initially seem unrealistic, it is essential to consider society's substantial investments in anti-aging measures and medications aimed at improving the quality of life and mitigating the adverse effects of aging-related health issues, as well as continual gains in life expectancy in developed countries. Nevertheless, ethical dilemmas persist in the discussion of indefinite life extension technology, including concerns about socio-economic inequalities, overpopulation, the meaning of life and suffering, and the intrinsic value of aging and age-related conditions.
The paper's primary goal is to provide an overview of indefinite life extension (ILE) technology and its associated ethical dilemmas, examining them through the lens of the Orthodox sophiological perspective. To unpack and articulate the ethics of ILE technology, the paper turns to Russian Orthodox theologian Sergius Bulgakov and his sophiological system. Drawing from his insights, the paper argues that while using ILE technology for modest life extension and improving health outcomes in the elderly is permissible within the Christian tradition, the pursuit of indefinite life goes against the belief that death is a natural part of life, not an enemy to be defeated by science. This discussion offers a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of technology, theology, and ethics in the context of indefinite life extension.