Ethics John Martin Fischer, "Would an Immortal Life Necessarily Be Boring?"

What is the central question of Fischer’s reading?

Whether living forever (immortality) would necessarily become boring and therefore undesirable.

Whose argument is Fischer responding to?

Bernard Williams

What does Williams argue about immortality?

That an immortal life would inevitably become boring and meaningless.

Why would immortality become boring, according to Williams?

Because:

• You would eventually experience everything possible

• Your desires and interests would run out

• Life would become repetitive and empty

What is Williams’ dilemma about immortality?

1. If your character stays the same → you get bored

2. If your character changes → you are no longer “you”

What is Williams’ dilemma about immortality?

Conclusion: Immortality is undesirable either way.

Does Fischer agree that immortality must be boring?

No—he argues boredom is not inevitable in an immortal life

What is the identity condition?

Your future immortal self must still be recognizably you.

Does Fischer think identity would be lost?

No—changes over time don’t mean you stop being yourself.

What is the attractiveness condition?

An immortal life must be appealing to you now.

What is the main worry here?

That immortality would be boring.

Why does Fischer think immortality wouldn’t necessarily be boring?

Because life can include a variety of meaningful and enjoyable experiences, not just one repetitive activity.

What are self-exhausting pleasures?

Experiences that lose value after being done (e.g., climbing Everest once).

What are repeatable pleasures?

Experiences you can enjoy over and over (e.g., music, food, friendships).

Why are repeatable pleasures important?

They prevent boredom and can sustain an enjoyable immortal life.

How does variety help avoid boredom?

A mix of activities (love, art, learning, hobbies) can keep life interesting indefinitely.

How does Fischer respond to the “changing character” problem?

• People already change over time in normal life

• These changes don’t make life undesirable

• So change in immortality is not a problem

What is Fischer’s final conclusion?

• Immortality does not have to be boring

• A meaningful, varied life could continue indefinitely

• Therefore, immortality could be desirable