Ep 1. We Need to Talk about Death
- January 23, 2019
We Need to Talk about Death is the thought-provoking and poignant first episode of the Horizon season 2019. In this episode, presenter Kevin Fong tackles the taboo topic of death head-on, exploring the science behind how we die and what it means for us as individuals and as a society.
Fong begins by examining the complex relationship between life and death, highlighting the fact that death is a necessary and natural part of the cycle of life. He then goes on to explore the different ways in which people perceive and deal with death, highlighting the cultural, religious, and social factors that shape our attitudes towards it.
Throughout the episode, Fong speaks to a range of experts, including doctors, researchers, and philosophers, to gain insight into the science and philosophy of death. He explores various theories around consciousness and the nature of the self, examining the idea of the soul and the possibility of life after death.
However, it's not all philosophical pondering - the episode also delves into the practicalities of dying. Fong investigates the latest medical technology and treatments that are being developed to improve end-of-life care and make dying less painful and traumatic for patients and their families.
The show also looks at alternative approaches to death, from green funerals and home burials to cryonics and the possibility of digitally preserving our consciousness after we've died.
Overall, We Need to Talk about Death is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of a subject that many of us shy away from. Fong manages to strike a balance between the scientific and the emotional aspects of death, which makes this episode both informative and engaging.
By confronting this taboo topic head-on, the show encourages us to think more deeply about our own mortality and how we want to approach death, both for ourselves and for our loved ones. Ultimately, the episode poses the question: how can we make dying a more peaceful, dignified, and meaningful experience for everyone involved?
