Individual, desymbolized death
Nov. 25., 2013 | 12:06 am
"Observing the fear of ageing that characterizes our era, sociologist Christopher Lasch argues that ‘the fear of ageing does not stem from a “cult of youth”, but rather from a "cult of the ego" (Lasch, 2000 [1979]: 269). In pursuing his analysis, this author points out that the systematic devaluation of older people and the biomedical devices aimed at combating ageing are in keeping with individuals’ decreasing solidarity with older generations. In fact, he says, the desire expressed by certain scientists to push back – even overcome – the limits of death as much as possible corresponds with the fantasy of narcissistic individuals who are unable to face the limitations of the human condition (Lasch, 2000 [1979]: 301)
In this sense, regenerative medicine plays a role in the dual effort to deconstruct and desymbolize death. Death not only becomes symbolically insignificant but also loses its social aspect, being reduced to a strictly individual phenomenon against which each person must fight on his own."
Lafontaine, C. (2009). Regenerative Medicine's Immortal Body: From the Fight against Ageing to the Extension of Longevity. Body & Society, 15(4):53 – 71.
Lasch, C. (2000 [1979]) La Culture du narcissisme: la vie américaine à un âge de déclin des espérances.Castelnau-le-Lez: Éditions Climats.
In this sense, regenerative medicine plays a role in the dual effort to deconstruct and desymbolize death. Death not only becomes symbolically insignificant but also loses its social aspect, being reduced to a strictly individual phenomenon against which each person must fight on his own."
Lafontaine, C. (2009). Regenerative Medicine's Immortal Body: From the Fight against Ageing to the Extension of Longevity. Body & Society, 15(4):53 – 71.
Lasch, C. (2000 [1979]) La Culture du narcissisme: la vie américaine à un âge de déclin des espérances.Castelnau-le-Lez: Éditions Climats.