Mary Murray

Mary is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Massey University. Her research and teaching interests include the sociology of death and dying, the relationship between society/culture and emotion, and the relationship between animals and human societies. Her recent publications in books and journals have been about death and inheritance, and xenotransplantation. She is currently writing a book for Sage about bereavement and grief. Mary has also trained in counselling and psychotherapy and does a small amount of work in that area.

What if nobody died – implications for individuals, families and society
Friday 31 October, 9.15am

‘What if nobody died' is an exploration of the personal and social implications of immortality. The presentation will set the scene with a quick look at the quest for immortality in ancient mythology and modern science. Conference participants will then be invited to do some more time travel, this time into the future where scientific developments have found a way of enabling humans to live forever. We'll be encouraged to enter into an interactive conversation with our immortal selves, considering the possibilities, paradoxes and problems that might emerge for individuals and societies should we be able to live forever.