C1 - Cryogenics

Cryonics

What is cryonics?

• Have you ever heard about it? If so, what do you understand by it?
• Do you know of any famous people who have been cryo-preserved?

1. What´s the definition of cryonics provided in the video? (0 - 0:07)

1. Which country is experiencing the most significant growth in cryogenic facilities and membership numbers?
2. What temperature do you believe is necessary for preserving deceased bodies through cryogenics?
3. How do you think cryogenics works?
4. How long would you say a body can be preserved through cryogenics?
5. What is the cost associated with preserving a human body? and just a brain?
6. Which country pioneered the establishment of the first cryogenic facility, and which two countries followed?
7. What´s the general profile of cryo members?
8. Why are people "taking a chance in immortality" when there are basically no guarantees of success until science proves otherwise?
9. What measures are in place to ensure the quality and safety of cryopreservation procedures at cryonics facilities?
10. How is cryogenics beneficial?

These expressions come up in the video you are going to watch, do you know what they mean?

• Quackery
• Mainstream
• Preserve
• frugal
• be in the spotlight
• lifespan
• look face value
• techie
• Viability

Definitions

• Quackery: The promotion of medical treatments or remedies that lack scientific validity or credibility, often with fraudulent claims of effectiveness.
• Mainstream: The prevailing or dominant trend, belief, or practice within a particular society or group at a given time.
• Preserve: To maintain or protect something from harm, decay, or loss.
• Frugal: careful to use only as much money, food, etc. as is necessary; avoiding unnecessary expenditure.
• Be in the spotlight: To receive significant attention or public interest, often due to being the focus of media coverage or scrutiny.
• Lifespan: The length of time for which a living organism, individual, or object typically exists or functions before dying or ceasing to be effective.
• Look face value: To assess something based solely on its outward appearance or initial impression, without considering deeper or underlying factors.
• Techie: Informal term referring to someone who is knowledgeable or proficient in technology-related fields, or someone who is enthusiastic about gadgets and technological innovations.
• Viability: The capability of something to function effectively or successfully; the likelihood of something being successful or feasible.

Discuss

1. Do you think cryogenics is a good idea? Why?/Why not? 2. What ethical considerations arise from the practice of cryonics, especially in relation to the concept of immortality? 3. Do you think cryonics is a form of science or is it make-believe? Why? 4. What are your thoughts on these ethical concerns surrounding cryonics? -Cryopreseving a person without their consent; -Spending resources on cryonics research when there are more pressing issues to take care of. 5. How do you think society would change if people could live forever? 6. Considering the uncertainties and risks involved, what motivates individuals to invest in cryonics as a means of potential future revival? 7. Would you consider preserving your body or just your head? Why? 8. Imagine that you have been cryopreserved for 100 years and have just been revived. What are the first things you would want to know about the world you have woken up in? How would you feel?