I fail to see all the hand-wringing over ethical concerns, etc. The head transplant is nothing more than the connection of an external support system to the brain. It is no different in principle than a mechanical iron lung or a dialysis machine, or Stephen Hawking’s wheelchair and computer gear. The body has a head, and as far as I can see, the body’s primary function is to provide the head, (the brain, the seat of consciousness) with services and transport capability.

The major obstacles I see are technical. Although the cranial nerves will allow a disembodied head to see, speak, and have access to its sensory apparatus, all motor and sensory functions handled through the spinal column would still be severed. Blood vessels and even nerves can be patched in, but I don’t see how the myriad spinal cord connections could be surgically re-established, unless there is some way to use stem cell technology to match them all up.

The major ethical objections I see to this enterprise have nothing to do with the soul, the spirit, or any of the rest of that spiritualist mumbo jumbo and religious voodoo. My major concern is who decides who gets the treatment? Will it be given to those who want it and qualify, and who makes that last decision? “Life panels?”

Or will only those be eligible who can pay for it up front (or as they no doubt prefer to see it, deserve it)?