Ethical dilemma: What makes life worth living? - Douglas MacLean
571,677 Views
1,242 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Life on your planet depends entirely on Nuronium for normal cognition. Unfortunately, its source has been compromised and you are now at risk of extinction. Scientists have found an alternate energy source, Polixate, but it can’t sustain cognition and would mean the loss of people's creativity. So, what shall it be: extinction or life without culture? Douglas MacLean explores this classic dilemma.
Imagine that you learn that you are suffering from a mortal disease and that if you do not treat it, you will die a painless death within a year. There is one known cure for the disease – a remarkable drug called Polixate – but it has the side effect of robbing you of the ability to do any of the activities that you find most meaningful today, including interacting in the ways you find most valuable with other people. Would you take the drug?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Douglas MacLean
- Director Asparuh Petrov, Compote Collective
- Narrator Adrian Dannatt
- Music Big Banda Soundscapers
- Sound Designer Alexander Evtimov
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Producer Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
