B2 – Upper Intermediate
As time moves forward, so as our technology. However, how far can this development go before we stray too far? We have been constantly finding new ways to extend the lives of those around us, and Robert White’s idea to do this is a head transplant.
Finding a way to perform a head transplant is one of the most controversial ideas in all of medicine. Provoking questions of possibility and feasibility, even if it were possible, is this transplant worth pursuing?
To find out more, watch this video:
Vocabulary Questions:
- Explain “brain cooling”. “Brain cooling revolutionized the field of neurosurgery and put White one step closer to his body transplant goal.” Create a sentence using this term.
- What does “fraught with something” mean? “But this vision was fraught with serious ethical concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘fraught with something’ in your own sentence.
- What does “immune rejection” mean? “The brain appeared to survive a head transplant, and with high doses of drugs, could live without immune rejection.” Use this term to make your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your stance on the idea of a head transplant? Elaborate on your answer.
- What are the possible benefits of head transplantation?
- What are the problems with the idea of a head transplant?
- Do you think that a head transplant is possible? Explain your insight.
- Do you think scientists should pick up where Dr. White left off? Explain your thoughts.
- Do you believe that “part of the ‘self’ reside outside the mind”? Elaborate on your belief.