3 replies to this topic

[Mind]

Penn and Teller diss cryonics.

I just saw this today, not sure how old it is.

I like Penn and Teller generally speaking, and I can understand their distrust of cryonics based on economic reasons - ie. it costs a lot (well, only $28,000 at CI) and there is no guarantee of success, but I was surprised they used the old "bodies will be turned to mush" argument. Who the heck is that ignoramus they used in the video to substantiate this view? Why does this myth persist when it quite easily goes against common sense. Do a simple thought experiment; when you put a steak in the freezer and then thaw it out, does it come out as mush? Even if the steak is not vitrified, it retains some of its structure. I would've figured Penn and Teller to be a bit more careful. It made them look a little foolish in my mind.

Edited by Mind, 29 December 2008 - 06:44 PM.

[Cyberbrain]

I love Penn and Teller ... but I have to admit that the part about cryonics really disappointed me too. But I guess their writers just put it in there so as to fill the time.

If they actually sat down to critically think about it they would see that cryonics (expensive it may be) is the only logical alternative to death.

[Shannon Vyff]

Thats way old, I mean I watched it years ago. It is not very well done in regards to their research ;-)

[EmbraceUnity]

Thats way old, I mean I watched it years ago. It is not very well done in regards to their research ;-)

Penn and Teller's show can be somewhat funny at times, but even when I agree with them - which isn't that often - I am disappointed with their lack of scientific rigor. They have absolutely no interest in serious research. They make broad sweeping claims with little evidence to back it up. Their episodes on recycling and gun control cited very little real data. Even in their show claiming the Bible to be bullshit, a show that practically writes itself, they still couldn't come up with convincing arguments.

Edited by progressive, 03 January 2009 - 01:33 AM.